About Us

Our mission is to lower barriers to publishing, give artists sustainable ways to earn from their work, and build a collective voice that reflects the depth and diversity of local life.

In short: we turn local voices into lasting cultural record—while ensuring the artists who create them are supported.

Frame/Sequence wants to showcase less visible and unpublished photography work focusing on the weird and unusual, and especially so from women and nonbinary artists.

By creating this publishing platform as a nonprofit, Frame/Sequence can focus on artists' needs rather than profit margins.

The end goal is to have a physical space where we can not only sell the periodical, but hold workshops and events based around photography books to benefit the Philadelphia community.

When Frame/Sequence founder, Lily Colman, began collaborating with Peter Wight in Spring 2024, she told him about her dream to become a photobook publisher, outlining the difficulties and expenses of getting into the business.

With Peter’s background in consulting for startups and nonprofits, he knew this vision that was a tangible possibility: one that supported the local Philadelphia community and its artists, something they are both passionate about.

Together, they came up with a place to start – the idea to create a periodical, showcasing photography and writing centered on the place they come from and are proud to call home.

The open submission process is the foundation of Frame/Sequence—our commitment to art, opportunity, and community. Each edition is guided by a theme. the theme of the inaugural, September 2025 volume is On Motherhood. It served as an invitation for artists, writers, and community members to interpret the theme in their own way.

Rather than dictating meaning, we invite contributors to define the theme for themselves. The result is a chorus of voices—personal, abstract, celebratory, and critical—that together form a portrait both coherent and diverse.

This model not only generates authentic and beautiful art; it also uplifts artists in a real way by providing visibility, publication, and tangible support. At the same time, it amplifies the voices of the community, transforming individual expressions into a collective portrait that is deeply complex, wholly alive, and true to the people it represents.

Frame/Sequence is different because we do not charge a submission fee, and we pay our artists for having their work published. We also share their work on our social media platforms and website, making sure they gain visibility, but also financial support, which is often overlooked in the arts.

Visit our submissions page to read FAQs.

 Submissions are currently closed, but we will be announcing our next open call later in the fall of 2025!

Sign up for our newsletter and follow our Instagram account to keep up to date on when submissions will open.

Our fiscal sponsorship operates through CultureWorks.

Nonprofit and fiscal sponsorship status are essential to the mission of Frame/Sequence. CultureWorks has helped ensure that the project can grow with integrity, prioritizing public good over profit, and creating a structure where artists and communities remain at the center. Through fiscal sponsorship, we gain access to the legal, financial, and administrative support of an established nonprofit, allowing us to accept tax-deductible donations and grants without taking on the full cost of incorporation.

There are many ways we can create opportunities for photographers in the Philadelphia region. The first, is to feature artists in our periodical, which they are paid for. We also aim to employ artists to help with different community projects. We will bring artists on as guest judges for different editions, and partner with local art community spaces to hold workshops and events. We're creating sustainable income for photographers who struggle to monetize their work, especially those outside traditional gallery systems.

By amplifying underrepresented voices, we're expanding Philadelphia's visual narrative beyond what typically gets documented. Over time, we're building an archive of authentic local stories while creating pathways for emerging artists to gain recognition and develop their careers.

Finally, our platform connects photographers across the region and makes fine art photography accessible to those inside and outside the art world.

You can support us by buying our periodical, making a direct donation to FRAME/SEQUENCE through our page with CultureWorks, or selling our periodical in your bookstore or art space.

Can’t support us financially? That’s okay! You can help in many other ways: sharing your work (submissions are always free), attending our events, spreading the word through social media and in person.

For general, submission, or order inquiries contact lcphoto@lilycolman.com

For wholesale orders, stocking inquiries, or distribution partnerships, please contact our business manager at operations@lilycolman.com with the following information: Vendor Organization Name, Address, Contact person, Contact Information (Email and Phone), Store/organization type, Interest (wholesale, consignment, event collaboration).