Many people have different ideas what a zine is. But Craig John Barr of the Salford Zine Library will try and sum up what a zine is to him.
A zine is a publication self-made and printed independently by the author. Production methods vary from primitive tools such as photocopiers, pens, paper and the trademark stapler. They can also be professionally printed and made to a very high technical standard and presented as artists’ book.
In the two years since the archive was opened the lively world of zines and our library has continued to flourish and grow. We welcome contributions from everyone. To date we have had nearly 1500 submissions from all over the world. Thank you to those who have donated so far….
Many people who have visited the library and come to past exhibitions have been truly inspired. They have then gone on to make zines of their own and self-publish work they have wanted to share for a long time.
Here at Salford Zine Library there is no curatorship. We do not wish to be the arbiters of taste. The library is completely inclusive and your contribution is important. We tour the UK visiting schools, universities, public art galleries and book fairs.
Since the exhibition came to a close at Salford Museum and Art Gallery the library has been homeless. I have been desperately seeking a new place for it to reside. Looking for a pleasant and safe environment where people can comfortably read and peruse the archive at their own leisure. After much toing and froing looking for the right spaceI have been offered a permanent room at the Nexus Art Café in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
In its new home the archive will be accessible seven days a week from mid May but as you can see the space needs work. With your help and the skills of master craftsman Andy Yates – a man who says he can drill through anything – we can transform the space into the ideal new home we have long since dreamed of.
Our aim is to raise one thousand pounds by the end of April 2012.
The money raised will go towards the building of shelves, comfy seats to sit down and read, lighting and giving the walls a nice lick of paint.
When the space is clean and safe we can deliver workshops as part of our educational programme and you can read you favourite zines in calm creative comfort.
Visit the Salford Zine library page at Sponsume here
by Craig John Barr
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