Belladonna Series

Belladonna Series is a nonprofit organization that operates as a small press and collaborative literary group based in Brooklyn, New York. It was founded in 1999 by Rachel Levitsky as a reading series at Bluestockings, a bookstore on the Lower East Side of New York City.

Mission and Activity

Belladonna Series is dedicated to showcasing and promoting avant-garde feminist writing, with a focus on hybrid and language-focused works. The organization operates as a non-hierarchical collaborative, emphasizing diversity in its roster of authors and editorial board. It publishes books and hosts literary events to foster engagement with the arts and promote innovation in writing styles.

History

Belladonna Series began as a reading and salon series, expanding into publishing commemorative chaplets (small pamphlets) of its readers' work. Over time, it has collaborated with other presses, such as Litmus Press, to publish full-length books. Notable publications include works by Erica Hunt, Akilah Oliver, and Carla Harryman. The organization documents its reading series through audio and visual recordings, available through projects like PennSound.

Financial Overview

Belladonna Series is a 501(c)(3) organization, meaning donations to it are tax-deductible. Its primary source of revenue is contributions, which cover 100% of its total revenue. The organization maintains minimal financial liabilities and dedicates its resources to literary projects and community engagement.

Impact

By promoting experimental and feminist voices, Belladonna Series contributes to the literary landscape by elevating underrepresented narratives and innovative writing styles. It supports artists and writers, enriching the public's literary experience through diverse publications and cultural programming.