The Zine Scene: Tools for Social Change is a local “Zinester in Residence” project, generously funded by Arts Ottawa through their ARTicipate program, and supported by the Shenkman Art Center.
The Zine Scene: Tools for Social Change is a reflection into the impact of zines as tools for social change and equity throughout history, as well as in modern society.
Zines have historically been used as radical tools for change, beginning with the “little magazines” of the Harlem Renaissance. They have been a key element of various underground racial, queer and feminist movements of the 60’s through 90’s and once again they are resurfacing to support modern day advocacy.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this project is to create a collection of zines about various social issues, as well as their role in advocacy movements. We will then distribute these zines to major community hubs, mirroring the historical method of information sharing and mutual aid in current times. Finally, this project aims to educate the public about and build our local zine community- furthering our collective impact and personal role in social justice!
The project is broken into 2 phases.
Phase 1 is “Develop & Create”, where artists, activists and zinesters from across Ottawa and beyond gather to create a collection of zines around modern day issues we are passionate about. This will take place at the Shenkman Arts Center, in the Emmy & Victor Abboud Music Studio, from June 19, 20, 28 & 29th. You may come for a single day, or attend all of them.
A small stipend will be given to artists who contribute to our zine collection, based on the number of days you attend the program.
We recognize and value diverse lived experiences. We want to hear your story, amplify your perspective and help advocate for the social issues we are most passionate about! Is there a topic you are passionate about? Whether its food security, OC Transpo, Queer/Trans experiences, Race/culture, anti-bullying, embracing your authentic self, special interest and neurodiversity, witchcraft, third space advocacy, and so much more- we want you to contribute!
Support & guidance will be provided to all participants, so beginner zinesters welcome! This program has been created with equity, accessibility and inclusion in mind.
To register for the zine creation residency, please click the link below:
Phase 2 & 3 are “Share & Support” and “Celebrate & Build Community”, and they consist of distributing the zine collection to community hubs across Ottawa, as well as hosting a Zine Market at the Shenkman Arts Center on July 20th, to celebrate our achievement, build community and network with local zinesters/social advocates.
To register as a vendor at our zine market, please click the link below:
Ultimately this project will blend modern and historical social justice, with community building, resource sharing and interpersonal mutual aid. We hope to see you there!
Laughing Radish 