EVENT: Auckland Zinefest 2013

Back for it's fifth year, Auckland Zinefest kicks off a weekend of DIY celebration and activities, as detailed below in their official press release:

The Auckland Zine Collective proudly celebrates Auckland Zinefest's fifth birthday. This 2013 festival features a spectacular line-up of activities planned for Aucklanders of all ages.

The weekend-long festival celebrates zines and self-publishing in all its forms. Often using the photocopier as a means of production, zines come in many formats and styles, and leave design and content completely up to the creator. The format lends itself to experimentation and complete freedom of expression.

Auckland Zinefest weekend opens with a launch party at the Audio Foundation on Friday evening, 26 July, featuring spoken word performances and an exhibition of zine-related works.

On Saturday, 27 July at St Kevin's Arcade on Karangahape Road from Noon until 5pm. At Alleluya Café, fourty stall holders from Auckland, Wellington and beyond will feature their zines, mini-comics and other self-published works. Workshops and speakers will take place at the Wine Cellar and other parts of the Arcade. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about screen printing and print their own souvenirs for the day.

As part of the day's festivities, the Zine Collective will be hosting workshops on typography and cartooning, a talk on digital publishing, and a panel discussion about the history of zine culture in New Zealand.

A 'Zine of the Fest' award will be presented to a standout example of self-publishing, with entries open on the day of 27 July. The competition will be judged by a panel consisting from Auckland Libraries zine Librarian Karen Craig, and From Earth's End Kiwi comics blogger Adrian Kinnaird. The winner will be announced at an after party held at the Wine Cellar & Whammy Bar, with live music to follow.

Wrapping up the festival will be a special family event co-hosted by Auckland Libraries. At the Central City Library on Sunday 28 July, children will be given guidance and inspiration to create a collaborative zine together. Every participant will receive a copy of the work and it will also become part of the Auckland Libraries Zine Collection.

Check back here tomorrow, where I'll spotlight the stall holders!

-AK!