The Chico Review

The Chico Review is the country’s premier Photobook Retreat. Organized by Charcoal Book Club, The Chico Review takes place over six nights (March 20-26th) at Chico Hot Springs Resort, near Livingston Montana. Sixty-four applicants will be selected by our jury and invited to spend the week with over twenty of the most influential and creative photographers, book makers, gallerists, museum curators, and photobook publishers in the industry. One full scholarship and five partial scholarships will be awarded. Student discounts and need-based scholarships will be available to those selected who qualify.

Attending artists receive ten formal reviews by speakers and reviewers and take part in artist lectures, panel discussions, peer reviews, Q&A sessions, and additional evening programming over the seven day event.

The Charcoal Publishing Prize

At the end of the event, one grand prize winner will be awarded the Charcoal Publishing Prize. The winning project will be published and distributed worldwide by Charcoal Book Club, the first book-of-the-month club dedicated exclusively to photobooks.

For more information visit chicoreview.com

Awards and Scholarships

1 Charcoal Publishing Prize - The Charcoal Publishing Prize will be awarded to one attending photographer. The selected project will be published and distributed worldwide by Charcoal Book Club.

6 Merit Scholarships - One full tuition scholarship ($4350) and five partial tuition scholarships ($1500) to the Chico Review will be awarded to six accepted attendees. Scholarships are awarded based on the quality of submitted projects.

64 Selected Artists - Sixty-four total photographers will be invited to travel to take part in this juried portfolio review and retreat. These attendees are chosen by our jury based on the merit of their submitted project.

*Need-based scholarships and student discount available upon acceptance.

Entrance Fees

• $25 Charcoal Book Club Members
• $50 Non-Members
• $65 Late Entry Fee

Judging Criteria

The jury is looking for cohesive, compelling bodies of work that may be relevant for the reviewers and that may benefit from wider recognition. Each project is judged “blind" on the technical quality of images, structure and sequence of project, uniqueness of vision, and the application and consistency of that vision to the project.

What to Expect if Selected to Attend

Schedule:
Each day will include three catered meals, two artist lectures from one of this year's speakers, daily portfolio reviews, and unscheduled free time. Each attendee will have ten 20-minute portfolio reviews with a mix of our speakers and reviewers. Over the course of four days, you will spend time reviewing your work and gaining insight from our featured speakers, reviewers, and Charcoal Book Club staff. During unstructured time (including one entirely free day in the middle of the week), attendees can relax around the lodge and hot springs or explore the surrounding area - bookstores and saloons in Livingston, wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, and the ranch land of Paradise Valley.

Menu:
You'll eat well at Chico Hot Springs. The extensive gardens produce abundant vegetables thanks to rich soil that is heated by the geothermal runoff from the natural hot springs. There's a dining room, cocktail lounge, saloon, and diner on the premises, and we'll provide you with three square meals a day. "Chico is just quintessential Montana," says owner Colin Davis. "We get the rancher down the road who drops in for a steak and a glass of Jim Beam. Then a bit of Hollywood could show up for a bottle of Sassicaia”.

Accommodations: We've reserved private and shared rooms on the 150-acre property. Room sizes and amenities differ, and we're offering them on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll have the opportunity to select your accommodation upon acceptance. Activities at Chico start at its steamy natural hot springs, with two open-air pools averaging 96 and 103 degrees year-round. The Yellowstone River and surrounding spring creeks that slice through the wide-open glacial valley are fly fishing meccas during warmer months.

Tuition and Lodging

TUITION & BOARD - $4350

Tuition & Board include:

• 10 Portfolio reviews by speakers and reviewers
• Daily lectures, panel discussions, peer reviews and Q&A sessions
• Three meals a day, daily happy hours, snacks, and more
• Access to alumni programming and benefits in perpetuity

Need based scholarships and student discount available upon acceptance.

Lodging

• We’ve reserved the majority of Chico Hot Springs for this event. Upon acceptance, we will help you select your accommodations, which range from shared lodge rooms ($60/night) to private cabins ($255/night)—something for everyone's budget.
• Room types are available on a first-come, first served-basis.

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