History
OCOS originated at Interference Archive (Brooklyn, NY) in 2016, and their archival collection of comic books, zines, graphic novels, and other comics paraphernalia related to social movement history. It was sponsored by the Society of Illustrators, and the Center for Cartoon Studies, and included a full-color catalog. Since 2016, OCOS has traveled to George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) and two locations at the University of Connecticut (Storrs and Waterbury campuses).
Mission
We developed this exhibition and its programs as an open space for discussion about identity-focused comics and the spectrum of topics they address, and also as a challenge to the mainstream comics industry to improve the way our stories are told, if they are told at all. Therefore, each iteration of OCOS includes a robust program of presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and tours of the exhibition.