Fusing the familiar with the experimental.
Protagonist Laboratory was founded in late 2024, in the liminal fever dream that is the week before the new year, in the unparalleled Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx.
If you’ve always wanted to be a published author, have your work produced, or share your artistic vision with a wider audience but are disillusioned by the system as it currently stands, Protagonist Laboratory wants to get your story into the world without having to compromise on your creative vision.
We love all genres, styles, and settings, and love a familiar story with an experimental twist — be it in the style, plot, or something else entirely! Written works must be a minimum of 50k words to be considered for publishing, but hold onto your short stories and poetry — we’ll be launching a quarterly magazine in 2025. Production requirements are less rigid, but the more detail you have, the better!
Our
Values
Creative Freedom
We believe in empowering artists to retain their unique vision and voice. Our role is to provide the necessary support, resources, and platform to help them bring their work to life, without compromising their creative integrity. We champion the idea that every artist deserves the freedom to create on their own terms.
Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We thrive on blending familiar stories with fresh, experimental approaches that challenge conventional norms. By pushing the boundaries of art and storytelling, we aim to create work that resonates in new and exciting ways, offering audiences something both familiar and unexpected.
Collaboration
We value the power of collaboration, believing that the best work is often the result of collective effort. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and every team member’s contribution is valued. Working together, we dive into creative challenges, supporting one another as we bring bold ideas to life.
Opportunity
We are committed to expanding opportunities for underserved youth and emerging artists. By providing platforms and resources, we help individuals explore their creativity, share their work, and gain the chance to be published and produced. Everyone deserves the opportunity to dream, create, and be seen.
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