Zines in Rural Communities
Join us in conversation with Iona (pictured below), a Scottish Highlands-based zinester, all about how zines can have a transformative impact on rural communities by fostering creativity, preserving local culture, and promoting social engagement – and how you can get involved too.
There is plenty of evidence that zines have a rich history as a medium for alternative voices, niche interests, and grassroots activism within populated cities. But what purpose do zines serve in remote areas?
Picture Description: Iona of DeZiners stands in front of the Highland Zine Bothy, smiling with her arms wide. The bothy is made of white wood panels with pink and blue rectangles painted on it. The roof is covered in dried shrubs.
A recent example of what’s possible is the Highland Zine Bothy, Mainland Highlands first zine library, co-founded collaboratively by Circus Artspace and DeZiners. The zine library is fully representative of Highlands culture, hence it was built to be encased in a 'bothy' – encouraging access to zines for locals and visitors alike, in a structure symbolic of centuries of Scottish community-led initiatives.
We're really excited to bring you this event as part of Cut Out Club October takeover with 64 Million Artists!
Cut Out Club started as a series of collage zine-making workshops open to all experience levels, with all workshops distinctively themed to encourage participants to reflect and meaningfully create in a collaborative, community space.
It has since grown to encompass a number of zine-related projects and events beyond workshops, including recent collaborations with the Queer Writers Circle, Crafts Council, and Oxford House.
Behind the Cut Out Club are a crafty duo, Tasch of Assemblage Collective, and Iona of DeZiners, whose mutual love of zines sparked the project back in 2023. Cut Out Club are currently in partnership with St Margarets House, London.
Useful information
Who is this event for?
Anyone with an interest in Zines. Particularly if you are based in a rural community and interested in building community!
Is there a fee to attend?
No, this event is free to attend.
Is this event online?
Yes, this event is an online event and will be taking place on Zoom. On register, you will be sent the Zoom link in advance of the session.
Accessibility
There will be closed caption available on Zoom. When you register for the session, there will be a question of what additional access support would help you come along and enjoy this event. This could include BSL interpretation, Live Captions and breaks.