New zine workshops are coming to Oldham

An exciting series of workshops are coming to Hack Oldham later this month - and they’re perfect for anyone with creative interests.

Zines (coined from the word magazine in the 1940s by a science fiction fanzine creator, Russ Chauvenet) are handmade publications about a specific interest or issue, with limited print and distribution of 1,000 copies or less.

Their lineage, however, dates back to the 18th century.

They are popular with illustrators, crafters and writers wanting to express themselves about a subject close to their heart.

Now Heena Patel, who is part of Commonword Cultureword in Manchester, and who makes zines about neurodiversity, food, hidden histories and teaching cycling to kids, will be sharing her passion in a series of three workshops will take place at Hack on Yorkshire Street in Oldham from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Wednesdays, October 11, 18 and 25.

Heena (pictured below) believes that Oldham, with its history of political campaigning, is the perfect place for people to fall in love with zine-making.

She said: "A zine can travel. You can sell it, swap it, leave it on the bus.

"It's easy to leave your stamp on.

"You can go as far as you want with it.

"You can link it up to any other part of your life.

"And it's a physical artefact. Something you can hold and keep."

Those creatives who take to zine-making during the Oldham workshops will be encouraged to show their work in the Multitudes Zine Fest which will is being organised by Heena and her colleague, UK-based writer and spoken-word artist, Mish Green.

Heena added: "Mish and I are running Multitudes Zine Festival in 2024 because we know that all there are people all over the Greater Manchester region, who are bursting with talent, artistry and stories.

"We want to unlock all of that and create a space where people can find each other through their creativity."

For more info, email Heena at: heenaesque@gmail.com

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