The Yuck n Yum zine fair has become an irresistible event in independent publishing within Dundee. Grown each year since its inauguration into the YnY events calendar a mere two years ago, the fair has attracted stall holders from far and wide including, TYCI, Treehouse Comics, Super Club and Team Girl Comics.

The second zine fair also saw the YnY host an international stall, giving those who would be unable to make it to the fair the opportunity to get their work out to a new, very receptive, audience. By inviting zine makers and artists to have their work on show at the fair, we wanted to promote the beginnings of a relationship between the creative minds of Dundee and the creative outputs of artists worldwide. International inclusion is something we wish to host again in the future, and are hopeful of expanding upon our current contacts which include, Michael DeForge, Mille Putois (Simon Bosse) and Still life press.

By moving the fair to a more public space, we found that we generated more interest from passing foot fall. Our second fair, held in Dundee’s Empire State Coffee House, was the perfect space to allow those unfamiliar with the zine format to get an introduction to the medium in an informal, laid back manner, without the ‘precious’ constraints perhaps found in a book store/publishing house.

Each fair has also allowed us an environment perfect for incorporating performance and musical interludes into the event. We’ve had St Kilda Mailboat performa and Raz Ullah dj for us to ensure that Yny’s remit is optimised in encouraging performers and DiY publishers to promote their work simultaneously.

The zine fair is set to be an annual event that we can grow year to year. Hopefully aiding new zinesters a platform to personally interact with their audience and meet like minded makers.