Funding boost for Glasgow Zine Library

Glasgow Zine Library, a community space dedicated to the creation, promotion and archiving of DIY publishing, has funding towards the delivery of its programme of activity for 2020/21.

The library hosts an archive of almost 700 zines, small-circulation self-published works, on a variety of subjects ranging from social activism to visual art.

Its diverse programme includes workshops such as drop-in zine making sessions, film screenings, discussion and reading groups, children’s craft classes and social clubs.

The library’s programme aims to provide access to space and resources for young people, and those in the wider community who are often excluded from creative activity.

An open-source programming approach allows the library to welcome a range of academics, activists and artists to lead accessible discussions and workshops in its space.

In 2019, organisations including HIV Scotland, A+E Collective and Butterfly Conservation Scotland were hosted by the library.

A highlight of the 2020/21 programme will be the seventh edition of the Glasgow Zine Fest.

The two-day festival will be a celebration of the ethos of DIY self-publishing, explored through workshops, discussion panels and a zine fair, where publications can be bought and sold.

Viccy Adams, Literature officer, Creative Scotland, said: “Using their passion for zines to offer opportunities to create, engage and discuss, the team at Glasgow Zine Library are bringing a fantastic line-up of activity to their new premises in Govanhill.

“I’m particularly impressed by the cultural democracy in action of their programming. The library is a vibrant example of how public funding at the right time can support an emerging, grassroots organisation to work with and for a range of communities.”

Lauren Davis, director, Glasgow Zine Library, said: “Glasgow Zine Library is thrilled to be funded for another year through Creative Scotland. We are a self-publishing library and community arts space located on the south side of Glasgow, working hard to bring people together through making. The work we do to reach marginalised communities and pay fair wages would not be possible without this funding.”