London’s Rich Mix to host "DIY Cultures Fair’

By John Freeman on April 4, 2013

London’s Rich Mix arts venue is hosting the first DIY Cultures Fair this Sunday (7th April). It will be a day long festival of zines, artist books, comics and distros with films, animation and video art as well as art exhibitions, workshops and music.

The aim is to celebrate 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 enjoy 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,” explains Sofia Niazi, DIY Cultures Co-curator.

“In spite of blogs, facebook and twitter, zines seem to have had a nationwide comeback,” adds DIY Cultures Co-Curator Hamja Ahsan. “This will showcase the best of alternative and independent activities from all across the UK in one big gathering.”

You’ll be able to 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.

Rich Mix is a Bethnal Green-based charity and social enterprise that offers live music, film, dance, theatre, comedy, spoken word and a range of creative activities for people of all ages and all cultures. All profits go back to support their education, arts and community activities which nurture new and local talent.

Programme

Upstairs:

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

Downstairs:

1.00pm: 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.
Web: www.blackfeminists.org
#DIYBlackFems

2.00pm: FIlm – DIY OR DIE: How to Survive as an Independent Artist
feat. Zinesters, Lydia Lunch, Fugazi, Dinosaur Jr, Artists.

3.00pm: Unemployment & Creativity Panel Discussion
with Sarah Tea-Rex (Graduating in Unemployment Zine), Saban Kazim (Gissa a Job Zine), Robin Bale (Dole arts) Janine Francois
#DIYDole

4.30pm: Prisoner Zines, Writing & Creativity Panel
with Marek of Not Shut Up Magazine, Nicki Prisoner Fightback & Hamja of Free Talha Ahsan Campaign
#DIYPrison

6.00pm: 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

• Programme – www.diycultures.tumblr.com
• Twitter – @DIYCulturesFair
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/pages/DIY-Cultures

• More info: www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/event/diy-cultures-2013-zines-and-artists-books-fair Alternative Press/London or www.alternativepress.org.uk

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.