About
Collaboration over competition
Grrrl Zine Fair started in 2015 with our first zine fair in Oxford. Since then we've hosted fairs in London, at music festivals and at our studios, The Old Waterworks in Southend-on-Sea, thanks to Arts Council England funding.
Zine makers come from all walks of life and anyone can make a zine — but zines particularly resonate with those who have been disenfranchised and whose voices are often missing in mainstream media.
Inspired by the Riot Grrrl culture of the 1990s, which combined zine-making, art and music — Bikini Kill coined ‘Grrrl to the front!’ — our events showcase zine culture through workshops like screen printing and risograph zine making, performances, drop-in self-care and welfare areas. We also run residencies for zine makers, and sell zine kits and courses that help fund our programme.
Meet the founder
Hey! I’m Lu Williams, an artist who is fairly obsessed with zines. I started making my own zines alongside DJing ‘Bitchcraft’ and then ‘Hyperfemme’, and worked as arts editor for Cuntry Living zine whilst studying art at Oxford University.
I’m from a working-class background, am queer and neurodivergent, so found my community in the feminist zine scene. Zine making felt like the opposite of the stuffy art world, more accessible than academia — zines slip right into people’s hands rather than shouting into the void. More of my work.
What people say
“Lu’s zine workshop was pitched perfectly for our Extended Diploma Design students. The session was pacy, exciting and really encouraged our learners to get creative.” — Tadeus Blower, USP College
“It was such a fantastic discussion, carefully and thoughtfully chaired by Lu… Thank you so much for bringing your library as well.” — Lucy and Helen, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
“After attending your zine workshop, I feel greatly inspired… thank you for creating such an empowering community.” — Kelly
FAQs
How can I join or book a workshop? Upcoming workshops are on Events and our Instagram. We travel the country working with universities, organisations and brands — email us for our workshop pack with delivery options, content and fees.
Can I submit my zine to the library? Yes! We collect zines described as ‘queer’ and ‘feminist’. Email us and we’ll send instructions.
Can I sell my zine at your next fair? Yes, if it aligns with our values — made by women, transgender and non-binary people, and feminist and/or queer in nature. Email us to join the stall-holder list.
Can you sell my zine? We no longer can, but we share new zines on our socials — send us a DM.
Do you take interns? We don’t have capacity, and we pay people for their time. We sometimes call for event volunteers, with free entry and zines in exchange.
Can I interview you? Yes! It may take a few weeks to reply — please email.