DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF ZINES AND THE VI INPRINT BOOK

The VI INPRINT project grew from young people’s desire to create a lasting record of the ephemeral but significant work that Visionary Images had created over the years. With a range of media at their disposal to tell the Visionary Images story, participants wanted to ‘create something that would last’ and produce ‘something real to hold’ as the ideal way to document Visionary Images’ major projects. It was agreed to make an art book.

During project workshops, participants strengthened their computer literacy, their familiarity with graphic design software and their skills in graphic design and typography, and they became familiar with layout and finished art protocols for print publications. Zine making workshops were also held to encourage new participation and two zines were produced.

VI INPRINT gave many the motivation and confidence to re-enter mainstream education or employment, reversing tendencies to disengagement from education, social isolation and itinerant lifestyles. Past participants were also called on to have input, with some as far away as Western Australia contributing to this book.

Telling the Visionary Images story in VI INPRINT harnessed young people’s creative energy in a way that reflected and built on the contribution young people and artists have already made to the community through their work at Visionary Images over a sustained period.

The book stands as testimony to a small not-for- profit arts, community and cultural development organisation doing big work. It fulfils the desire of the young people to create a lasting piece of work that you can hold and keep.  It shows the extraordinary work created by these young people and artists, and something of the ideas and integrity behind that. It shows something of the lives that have been affected by this work, and of the honesty and courage of the young people in sharing these with others. It shows what has been made possible through the remarkable and dedicated commitment of artists over a decade
of working with vulnerable and marginalised youth. It shows that those whose voices were inaudible or ignored in the past are now capable of providing a confident commentary on universal social issues. It shows how art and cultural action can be agents for positive social change.

 

Find more information at: http://VIInprint.wordpress.com/