Hunter creatives will be invited to submit their homemade “zines” to Newcastle Library as a part of an upcoming collection.
For the uninitiated, zines are a type of small, self-published booklet or magazine often used as an outlet for personal expression, art, ideas or written stories, with no limitations on creativity or subject matter.
Several locals have already expressed their delight at being given the opportunity to participate, including library worker and archivist James Turvey.
He’s made the booklets since he was 14.
His work is centred around documenting and preserving stories from the Hunter that might otherwise be lost.
“Zines are a snapshot of a moment in time, whether it’s personal, political or creative,” Mr Turvey said.
“They capture voices, ideas and movements that don’t always make it into mainstream history.”
The 42-year-old sees his contribution to the collection as his way of giving back to the community, showcasing the local skate scene while also creating independent publishing more accessible.
“Making creative work from within the community accessible is really important and having this space at Newcastle City Library will expose people to zines that might not otherwise have come across them,” he added.
TAFE student Laura Baker is completing a diploma of Library and Information Services.
She’s among the first local zine-makers to have their work featured within the new collection, which will be officially launched at the City branch next month.
Ms Baker, who started her journey two years ago, said the collection offered a valuable chance to share their work and inspire others to explore the medium.
“What I love about zines is the variety, some have poems, illustrations, comics, collages, photography or short fiction and others are just unique,’” she explained.
“You can really do anything… and that’s what makes them so exciting.
“It’s a really accessible format and anyone can make them, all you need is a piece of paper and an idea.
“I want to keep telling stories, it’s something I enjoy putting out into the world and I’m excited to share my work through this collection.”
City of Newcastle’s director museum archive libraries and learning Julie Baird stated the new assemblage reinforced the organisation’s role as a hub for self-expression and a custodian of cultural history.
“Zines have played a vital role in Newcastle’s youth, art, music and skate scenes for over 40 years, offering a uniquely liberating platform for creatives to express their ideas freely, outside the constraints of traditional publishing,” she said.
“This collection is a significant statement of time and history, preserving voices, images and stories of our community for future generations.
“We invite zine makers, both local and from afar, to contribute their work and take part in archiving a piece of Newcastle’s cultural heritage.”
Creators interested in submitting their work to the collection can drop their donations at Newcastle City Library before Saturday 5 April.
For more community stories:
- Emma’s Warriors chips in to make Sleapy’s PICU project a reality
- Empowering Women’s Health at Peak Physio
- Remarkable women acknowledged throughout Hunter
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