‘Publishing Otherwise: A Slow Book Fair for Coexistence’ is a reimagination of the book fair model, offering an alternative approach that diverges from the pressure of high-functioning, profit-driven transactions and embraces a slower, more intentional form of exchange.
Taking place at esea contemporary's Communal Project Space, the programme brings together two months of free talks, book launches, displays, and workshops led by collaborators from a diverse range of collectives, disciplines, and practises.
Together, we will explore how printed matter transforms abstract ideas to take shape as tangible manifestations. The programme will explore themes including the multiverse in fictioning, the transformative power of queer and feminist publishing, the radical art of zine-making, and the profound impact of publishing as a form of activism. Guest contributors include Bloomsbury Publishing, Co-founder of Glasgow Women's Library, Infrasonica, Small Tune Press, The Book Society/ Mediabus, SAVVY Contemporary, The Invisible Archive, shushushushu, Gu Ling, Slavs and Tatars.
As part of esea contemporary’s ‘Communities in the Making’ programme, ‘Publishing Otherwise: A Slow Book Fair for Coexistence’ will facilitate an inclusive environment for publishers and practitioners who have dedicated themselves to championing and celebrating publishing as a catalyst for change. ‘A Slow Book Fair’ proposes a model that cultivate community-building, knowledge sharing, and meaningful interactions, and will provide a platform for embracing the magic of publishing in alternative ways.
Call for Submission
As part of the programme, we are looking for submissions that respond to the theme of ‘Coexistence’. We particularly encourage artists working in the realm of self-publishing, zines, poetry, and ESEA current issues to submit their works. However, we also warmly welcome publications that explore undefined genres, embracing the spirit of innovation and creativity.
This open call is now closed. The selected publications are on view in our Communal Project Space until 22 December 2023.
List of selected entries:
‘Communities in the Making’ is an ongoing series of events that unites community-led and process-driven approaches to fostering co-existence amongst diverse underrepresented cultures and communities in Manchester. Through artist-led workshops, collaborative screenings, cross-disciplinary exchanges, and roundtable discussions, we actively ponder ways of nurturing agency to lay the groundwork for community building.
Throughout the course of the programme, members of the public are invited to gather, collaborate, and contemplate with us. We believe in the inherent creativity of every individual and strive to establish meaningful connections that are reflective of our current moment, and meet the needs and aspirations of the community. ‘Communities in the Making’ activates listening, interdependency, and the cultivation of new experiences to celebrate diasporic knowledge, and ground our work in encounters and experimentations.
