'Glasgow Zine Fest is particularly focused on the revolutionary potential of DIY,' says director Lauren Davis. The two-day festival first began in 2014 and celebrates self-publishing, DIY ethos through workshops, events and a zine fair. 'From mural making to mental health, from bookbinding to decolonising drawing, it allows people to learn a new skill or improve upon an existing one,' explains Davis. 'Talks by Chardine Taylor-Stone, TabloidArtHistory, and Category Is Books encourage discussion and the sharing of ideas.'

The festival is the brainchild of community-based Glasgow Zine Library, situated on the city's southside. It's a centre for Glasgow's community of makers, sharers, and doers, and the library uses the annual zine festival to spread its message. For the 2019 festival, with the help of Creative Scotland funding, the programme has expanded and built on earlier incarnations, which has allowed organisers to bring artists from further afield. One example is the appearance of artist Travis Alabanza, one of the UK's leading trans voices, who will close the first day of the festival with a reading of their critically acclaimed poetry book, Before I Step Outside (you love me).

Other draws are politically engaging workshops like exploring the history of black women's independent publishing, or Jacob V Joyce's workshop that takes a practical and theoretical approach to decolonising drawing. There are also practical-focussed events like the coptic bookbinding and mural-making sessions.

For Glasgow Zine Fest, accessibility is a key component in making sure everyone can be involved. The CCA is a fully accessible venue and the festival works on a sliding scale ticketing system, providing financial flexibility to those who need it.

The main event, The Zine Fair, takes places across both days with over 75 makers showcasing and selling their self-published works.

Glasgow Zine Fest, CCA, Glasgow, Sat 20 & Sun 21 Apr.