What's not to like about the 'zine culture?
Its roots are in punk. It is totally DIY/DIT (Do It Yourself/Together). And, to be honest, as an artist I love that many of these indie publications are limited run, translating into a discovery experience on par with collecting an art form yet popular.
And if you spend a little time at the third annual
Grand Rapids Zine Fest, you will no doubt pick up on its unique approach to language, which is evident by not just what they say, but also through the visual language they employ. It is truly one of the more interesting parts of our indie culture because of its roots in creative exploration.
The event is getting a lot of attention these days due to the quality of work on display for purchase but also because this mid-sized event has a near perfect amount of vendors that do not overwhelm the attendee as some of the larger 'zine fest do in other markets.
This year (as every year) we are seeing an expansion of new vendors from other cities like Chicago, Kansas City, and Toronto. We will even see the largest
distro ('zine language for distributor): Chicago's
Pioneer Press will be coming back for the second year in a row.
Lest you think the locals are pushed out with all this attention, then you will be happy to learn that more than half of the more than 40 artist/spaces at this year's event will be from West Michigan.
I also want to add a special note that this event is a safe space event (*see their policy below) and that, for the first time, the event space will feature gender neutral bathrooms, which, if you're following contemporary trends, is one that will be appearing more and more if we want to be known as a welcoming city.
Admission: Free to attend
*"Grand Rapids Zine Fest is organized to create and uphold a space that is not ruled by commercial interests, publishing giants, sexist, racist, ageist, ableist, and/or trans/bi/homophobic individuals. It is a collectively shared and generative space wherein all peoples involved are respected and cared for. For these, and a number of other reasons, GRZF will not tolerate zinesters, zines, or attendees who promote what we are working against."