JUST OVER A WEEK TIL Hamilton Zinefest 2015!

After a wildly successful debut last year, Hamilton Zinefest returns on May 16th from 10am to 4pm at Creative Waikato, 131 Alexandra Street. 
A free public event, there will be hundreds of locally made zines for sale. It will also include zinemakers from Auckland, Wellington and further abroad. 
Zines are small self-published books. Expect labour-of-love publications on paper, usually photocopied. They may feature art, political fury, poetry, personal observations, journalism, comics, music writing or anything that someone has a burning urge to share with others. 
Stephanie Christie, an exhibitor at Hamilton Zinefest 2014 is looking forward to being involved again at this year's event. 
"Ten years ago, making zines was the only way I knew to get my poetry out to people. Cherry Bomb Comics put some on their shelves, and one got picked up by a publishing house. They got in contact with me, and that's how my first book of poetry ended up being published. I love zines because they are simple to make, and everyone makes something different. It's fascinating," says Christie.
"Zines are an ever-growing art-form, involving an awesome diversity of people. Self publishing gives an important voice to people who might not otherwise find an outlet for their ideas, writing, and artwork," says one of the organisers, Paul Bradley. 
Workshops by renowned comic artists, zinemakers and a publisher will take place throughout the day. Zine aficionado Bryce Galloway will discuss the history of New Zealand zine culture.
To coincide with Zinefest, Garden Place Library will run zine-related events from Monday 11th until Friday 15th May. 
For details visit www.hamiltonlibraries.co.nz Paul Bradley

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