We’ve got a table at the marvellous DIY Cultures fair on Sunday 7th April.  We’ll be premiering Reads Vol.3 along with all the other usual wonders such as Tim Bird’s Grey Area, Tiny Dancing and Close Up Masterchef!  It’s at the Rich Mix in London’s “authentically unspoilt” Shoreditch and it all kicks off at lunch time (please bring me a sandwich).  Even if the thought of getting a copy of Reads 3 straight from our sweaty, shaking hands doesn’t do it, there’s a whole heap of other stuff going on as well as outlined by the good people themselves below.  And it’s free!  Hope to see you there!

– Ricky

Sun 7 April 12pm – 7pm
Free / Main Space

Rich Mix hosting the first DIY Cultures fair on Saturday 7th April! It will be a day long festival of zines, artist books, comics and distros. There will be films, animation and video art as well as art exhibitions, workshops and music. We will be celebrating all things independent, autonomous and alternative.

Events include a talk from the Black Feminists, talks on unemployment and creativity, artist-run spaces and prisoner zines as well as DIY workshops throughout the day. You can also join us for a film screening of “DIY or Die” featuring Ian Mckaye of Fugazi & Lydia Lunch.

“DIY culture is about creating alternatives to what is out there, whether it’s news, music or art, and doing it without the need of any experts or a lot of money” Sofia Niazi, DIY Cultures Co-curator“In spite of blogs, facebook and twitter, zines seem to have had a nationwide comeback. This will showcase the best of alternative and independent activities from all across the UK in one big gathering.” Hamja Ahsan, DIY Cultures Co-CuratorCome and browse over 50 exhibitors’ stalls and buy original publications direct from the artists. If you make your own zine you can bring some copies on the day to sell at our free communal table.

 
Craft & drawing Workshops by ExtraBones, DIY Couture & Blindfold Drawing with Dimitri Antorka-Pieri

1pm: We All Can Do It! Black Women in DIY Culture – TALK
Join Black Feminists in a discussion about how black women have played a vital role in DIY cultures with Stephanie Phillips, Aurella Yussuf and Rianna Parker.
www.blackfeminists.org
#DIYBlackFems2pm: FIlm – DIY OR DIE: How to Survive as an Independent Artist
feat. Zinesters, Lydia Lunch, Fugazi, Dinosaur Jr, Artists.3pm: Unemployment & Creativity Panel Discussion
with Sarah Tea-Rex (Graduating in Unemployment Zine), Saban Kazim (Gissa a Job Zine), Robin Bale (Dole arts)

Janine Francois
#DIYDole4.30pm: Prisoner Zines, Writing & Creavity Panel
with Marek of Not Shut Up Magazine, Nicki Prisoner Fightback & Hamja of Free Talha Ahsan Campaign
#DIYPrison6pm: DIY Artists Communities – Panel Discussion
with Pippa Koszerek (Post-Artists / Independent Art School / Arts Against Extraditions), Craftivist Collective, Gareth Llyod Owen (Foodface gallery) & other TBC
#DIYArt