A Living Space for the Culture of the Book
INTI EDITIONS is a cultural and editorial association created in 2016, based in the small commune of Aste in the Hautes-Pyrénées, France. Since its foundation, INTI EDITIONS has grown into a space of exchange, creation, and transmission around one central focus: the world of books.
We are not simply an editorial group, a workshop, or a cultural center. We are a meeting point—between people and ideas, between tradition and innovation, between the printed page and the lived experience. Books are at the heart of everything we do, not as objects to be consumed but as instruments of meaning, beauty, and civic life.
Our Origins
The origins of INTI EDITIONS lie in a shared passion among artists, writers, educators, and craftspeople for the publishing process and the culture it embodies. Tired of the fragmentation and opacity often associated with the publishing industry, our founding members envisioned a structure that would allow for a more open, transparent, and inclusive approach.
The choice to establish the association in Aste—a rural village far from the usual cultural capitals—was intentional. We wanted to root our project in a place where slowness is not a disadvantage, where proximity still matters, and where culture can take its time to grow. From this grounded, local presence, we continue to build national and international connections that serve our mission.
Why Books?
Books are a slow medium in a fast world. They require time to write, time to edit, time to print, time to read. And it is precisely this slowness that makes them so precious.
A book is a craft, a commitment, a memory made tangible. Behind every book are many invisible hands and minds: editors, proofreaders, designers, printers, binders, and more. Our goal at INTI EDITIONS is to make this entire ecosystem visible—to educate the public about the real labor and human artistry behind every page.
We believe that to understand how books are made is to understand better how ideas circulate, how culture is preserved and renewed, and how we, as a society, choose to remember, imagine, and dialogue.
A Multifaceted Mission
INTI EDITIONS exists to raise awareness, share knowledge, and promote engagement with the world of publishing. We pursue this mission through several interconnected activities:
- Publication of original works, often in limited editions, with special attention to craftsmanship, form, and critical relevance.
- Educational workshops open to the public on editing, printing, layout, binding, book arts, typography, and literary criticism.
- Cultural events such as readings, exhibitions, discussion panels, fairs, and collaborative projects that explore the intersections between books and society.
- Partnerships with libraries, schools, artists, and other associations to support the transmission of editorial knowledge and to engage diverse audiences.
- Support for emerging voices, particularly those outside mainstream publishing, by creating alternative, supportive spaces for expression and dissemination.
Our approach is holistic. We do not separate the technical from the intellectual, the aesthetic from the pedagogical. Everything we do is interconnected. A printing workshop is also an opportunity to reflect on the politics of media. A public reading can be a moment to question narrative authority or explore literary translation.
A Non-Profit and Collaborative Model
INTI EDITIONS is legally registered as an association under French law (loi 1901), which means our work is carried out not for profit but for public benefit. All income generated from our activities—publications, workshops, or events—is reinvested into our projects and operating costs.
Our organizational structure is deliberately horizontal. We operate collectively, with decisions made collaboratively and responsibilities shared among active members and volunteers. We are always looking for new collaborators, whether for a one-time project or a long-term engagement.
We also work with artists-in-residence, guest speakers, educators, and external professionals who share our vision and contribute to expanding our perspective and impact.
A Rural Presence with a Global Horizon
Although we are physically located in a quiet village, our reach and interests extend far beyond. We welcome visitors from across the region and beyond. Some come for a specific workshop, others for a meeting, a book launch, or a project discussion. Some stay for a few hours, others for a week or more.
We believe that being small does not mean being closed. On the contrary, our size allows us to remain flexible, experimental, and open to dialogue. In the age of remote collaboration and decentralized culture, our work in Aste is in conversation with movements and practices across Europe and the world.
We are especially interested in questions of editorial democracy, linguistic diversity, bibliodiversity, and the role of small publishers in resisting cultural standardization.
Editorial Choices with Integrity
INTI EDITIONS publishes a small number of works each year, but each is the result of a deliberate and thoughtful process. We do not adhere to fixed genres or themes, but we are guided by a few core principles:
- A belief in the transformative power of literature and the arts.
- A commitment to editorial integrity, quality, and precision.
- A focus on form and material, seeing the book as a complete object.
- A concern for social and political relevance.
- A desire to offer a space for underrepresented or experimental voices.
We work closely with authors throughout the editorial process, fostering relationships of mutual trust and respect. Often, the production of a book is also the beginning of a longer collaboration or conversation.
Education as Empowerment
One of our foundational commitments is educational empowerment. We want people of all ages and backgrounds to feel capable of understanding and engaging with the editorial world. That is why our workshops are open to beginners, non-specialists, and curious minds. We demystify the process, share our tools, and invite participation.
From hands-on printing sessions to debates about intellectual property, our educational activities reflect our belief that publishing is not only a technical skill but a social practice with civic stakes.
We particularly enjoy working with young people and schools. Watching a child typeset their name by hand or assemble their first stitched notebook is a powerful reminder of why we do this work.
Our Name and Symbolism
The word “INTI” is of Quechua origin and means “sun.” It reminds us of illumination, warmth, energy, and cycles of renewal—all qualities we associate with the editorial process. It also serves as a subtle nod to indigenous knowledge systems and the importance of cultural diversity.
“ÉDITIONS” refers not only to publishing in the narrow sense but to the broader practice of editing, shaping, and giving form. It speaks to process, not just product.
Together, “INTI EDITIONS” expresses our intention to shine light on the editorial process and to support a publishing culture that is inclusive, ethical, and alive.
Looking Ahead
We continue to grow slowly and organically, guided by the values that shaped our beginnings: care, curiosity, craftsmanship, and community. Our doors remain open to those who wish to learn, contribute, reflect, or simply spend time with us.
Whether you are an author, an artisan, a student, a reader, or simply someone who believes in the importance of books, we invite you to reach out, visit us, or join a future event. Together, we can continue to build a space where books are not just consumed, but lived.