Madison Zine Fest
The Madison Zine Fest (MZF) is an annual zine event held at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in conjunction with the Wisconsin Book Festival.
Mission
MZF's mission is to expand networks of zine communities and, at the same time, increase individual and institutional awareness of zines. It encourages the creation of independent media and alternative publishing. Ultimately, the MZF celebrates self-expression and freedom of speech, while it brings together people who appreciate the medium of zines and want to share work and ideas.
MZF involves local and national zine creators, readers, researchers, and other experts who educate, inform, and draw others into the zine scene. MZF creates increased communication and builds community between many different producers of independent media. The fest helps people to share skills and information related to zines and zine culture. Through hands-on, discussion-based events, the fest includes: workshops, panel discussions, a zine fair, and zine readings. Admission to the fest is free and open to the public.
The third annual MZF will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2006 from 11a.m. to 6p.m. at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in College Library's Open Book Cafe, inside Helen C. White Hall.
MZF '06 is being directed by Michelle Downer, owner of Echo Zine Distro and UW - Madison School of Library and Information Studies graduate student. In addition, a dedicated group of volunteers help plan and run the fest.
History
The Madison Zine Fest was founded in 2004 by University of Wisconsin, Madison School of Library and Information Studies graduate student, Alycia Sellie. Sellie directed the first two years of the fest, 2004 and 2005 with tremendous success. The first MZF was held on October 7-10, 2004. Over 500 people attended the events at the first MZF, and over 30 exhibitors were able to sell and trade their creations. The second MZF was held on October 14-16, 2005. Over 900 people attended the events during the second MZF, and over 35 exhibitors sold and traded their works.
