Xeric Foundation ends cartoonist grants

The Xeric Foundation is to end its twice-yearly grants to cartoonists.

Founded by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creator Peter Laird, Xeric has been helping comic book creators to self-publish their work for 20 years.

"When I began the Xeric Foundation back in 1992, things were very different," said Laird in a statement on the Xeric website.

"The Internet - and web-based publishing - was in its infancy. This has changed, radically, and the Xeric Foundation needs to change accordingly.

"The advent of essentially free web publishing has forever altered the way aspiring comic book creators can get their work out into the public eye.

"With this in mind, I have decided that it makes sense that the Xeric Foundation will no longer provide grants to self-publishing comic book creators, and instead devote all of its available grants funds to charitable organisations."

Xeric has awarded more than $2.5 million (£1.6 million) to writers, artists and cartoonists since its creation.

The last round of Xeric grants will be awarded in May 2012.

The Xeric spring 2011 winners were announced earlier this year.

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