FAQs & Transparency

The Rebel Loon Archive was founded and is directed by Erica Helander, a Minnesotan writer and editor. The project is supported by a small working team composed of design professionals, curatorial advisors, archivists, and administrative contributors. Some team members will be compensated at fair market rates for professional services, while others are contributing their time in a volunteer capacity.

The Rebel Loon Archive operates as a limited liability company (LLC) and is fiscally sponsored by Springboard for the Arts, a Twin Cities nonprofit.

Fiscal sponsorship provides accountability in finances and curatorial responsibility, and helps keep the Archive’s mission consistent as it grows.

Absolutely!

Submit art related to ICE, Operation Metro Surge, and immigration enforcement at bit.ly/rebel-loon.

Art addressing the Boundary Waters (BWCA) is accepted through September 1st at bit.ly/bwca-art.

Tickets are available now for the Rebel Loon Archive gala on October 15th. You can find tickets and more information here.

Yes, submissions are accepted through a form that collects files and metadata while addressing rights, compensation, merchandising opportunities, and loans/donations.

This form has been reviewed by an intellectual property lawyer and serves as a good faith agreement between artists and the Rebel Loon Archive.

Some artists have chosen to provide additional documentation for their agreement with the Archive, and those are honored and recorded.

In short, artists retain all rights to publish and sell their work elsewhere, while the Rebel Loon Archive receives rights to reproduce the work in digital and print format with artist credit. This right of reproduction is intended for preserving and publicizing the artist’s work, and allows the Archive to share work online, in exhibits, and in published works.

The submission form includes details on how to revoke Archive permissions if artists decide to do so. The Archive will then make a good faith effort to remove the artwork from online platforms.

Currently, the Archive does not financially compensate artists for submitting work. In the future, as grants and donations allow, one of the Archive’s goals is to provide honorariums for artists who are selected for publication in physical works or exhibits.

Community giving will be documented with summaries published online and updates provided to backers and collaborators.

The Archive’s collaborating institutions will receive a detailed financial report for accountability’s sake.

Why was Kickstarter selected as the book platform?

Kickstarter has a strong track record for art book and publishing campaigns. Its all-or-nothing funding model ensures the project proceeds only if fully funded, protecting contributors and backers from under-resourced production.

Alternative platforms were considered. Kickstarter was selected for its publishing audience, transparency tools, and established fulfillment structure.

How does the charitable component function on Kickstarter?

Kickstarter funds the production of creative projects. Funds raised through this campaign will be used exclusively to produce and fulfill the book and related project components.

Kickstarter does not process charitable donations directly. For compliance reasons, the campaign is structured as a publishing project, not a direct donation drive. Kickstarter has approved the project draft, including a clear description of the financial structure.

After all direct production, printing, shipping, and fulfillment costs are covered, any net proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Immigrant Defense Network.

What is the funding goal?

Our $15,000 funding goal reflects the documented minimum required to responsibly produce and fulfill a 200-page hardcover art book at the scale of this project.

This amount covers:

• Print proofing and color calibration

• Initial print run costs

• Contributor copies

• Packaging materials and fulfillment supplies

• Digital archive hosting setup

• Kickstarter platform and payment processing fees

The goal was calculated using documented quotes from vendors.

The largest single production expense is contributor copies. Although artists are not paid for inclusion, it is a priority of the Archive that each contributor receive a complimentary digital copy of the book, and each contributor published in the physical book receive a complimentary copy of the finished book. This ensures that participation is not extractive and that artists share meaningfully in the tangible outcome of the project.

Kickstarter operates on an all-or-nothing model. Setting the goal at the true minimum production threshold ensures that the Archive will only proceed if it can be produced to the quality and scale promised.

If the campaign exceeds $15,000, additional funds will support expanded print runs, exhibition preparation, and increased charitable proceeds after costs are covered.

Should I back this book or donate directly to mutual aid?

If you are choosing between backing the Archive’s Kickstarter and contributing to rent or food assistance, please support rent and food first. Survival always comes before a book. I do not want this project to divert resources from immediate needs.

At the same time, there are people who may not otherwise engage directly with mutual aid efforts but are drawn to projects like this. After all production and fulfillment costs are covered, net proceeds from The Rebel Loon Archive will go to the Immigrant Defense Network.

The Archive exists to support the local community by preserving primary sources while they still exist, raising awareness nationally and internationally, and contributing to the long-term historical record alongside ongoing direct aid efforts.

How many books will be printed?

Minimum funding is based on an initial print run of 500 copies. The order will be produced based on confirmed backer orders plus a modest additional inventory allocation.

If the campaign exceeds its goal, expanded print runs may be considered to support broader distribution and post-campaign sales.

What are the book specifications?

• 8.5x11” landscape

• Soft-touch hardcover

• Approximately 200 pages

• 80# satin paper selected for high-quality art reproduction

• Professionally-managed layout

The printer has been selected based on quality, cost, and turnaround reliability.

Who is handling printing?

The printer, located within the United States, has high-quality offset G7 printers and specializes in short-to-mid-run publishing.

We chose our book printer because of their high quality, reasonable costs, and speedy turnaround times. Instead of waiting 8+ weeks for printing, our orders will be fulfilled in 9 business days or less.

Additionally, campaigns often experience delays due to slow international cargo-boat shipping. Instead of outsourcing our book printing to the cheapest offer, we are committed to keeping our business within the US. This allows quicker communication and speedy delivery.

Will artists retain ownership of their work?

Yes.

Artists retain full copyright ownership of their submitted work.

The Rebel Loon Archive receives a limited, non-exclusive license to reproduce the artwork in:

• The printed book

• The digital archive

• Exhibition materials related to the project

Artists remain free to publish, sell, or license their work elsewhere without restriction.

What happens to inventory after the campaign?

Any post-campaign book sales will follow the same financial structure:

Production and fulfillment costs are covered first.

Net proceeds from book sales are donated to the Immigrant Defense Network.

What happens if the campaign does not reach its funding goal?

Kickstarter operates on an all-or-nothing model. If the campaign does not meet its funding goal:

• No funds are collected

• No books are printed beyond the initial short run of proofs and promotional copies

• Artists retain full rights to their work

The project may be reassessed or relaunched at a later date.