Call to contribute to zine project

Got any tips or advice you’re keen to share?

A local creative is looking to put that knowledge to use with an ongoing community zine project aimed at putting pointers on the page.

Siobhan Finn is encouraging everyone to get involved in her new Home Made initiative, which will see her illustrate and collate contributors’ various tips in zine form.

“It’s hints and tips about things around the home from the Ballarat community, a bit like you’re having a chat with a neighbour or interacting with someone you wouldn’t normally,” she said.

“The view is around helping people feel a bit more connected.

“I’m not new to Ballarat but I don’t feel like a local, so when you’re new to a place, it can be nice to have something that feels like you’re getting an insight into the people you’re living around.”

Supported by a grant from Regional Arts Victoria, Finn was inspired to create the project when she witnessed her friend establish the Reservoir Little Art Gallery in Melbourne.

Chosen medium: Siobhan Finn is looking to establish a regular community-led zine project, and has been interested in the zine format since completing her Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2008. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS

“They created this little gallery and people were invited to put their work in it,” she said. “It created this nice community space that connected people and brought their work to life.

“My thinking with the zine is not everyone’s an artist necessarily but everyone has things they do that they’d like to share.

“It’s a similar way of building connection but opening it up to people’s area of expertise, whether they’re good at crafts or an expert at gardening, or have interesting skills to share.”

The first issue of the zine is expected to be published mid-December and will feature a large input from several Food is Free volunteers.

The project is so far planned to comprise six issues, with one released every few months, with the aim of expanding depending on interest from contributors.

Finn is the co-founder of Fontella, a zine vending machine at Barkly Square.

Head to bit.ly/4eGqrnR or contact Finn via her Instagram handle

@siobhanfinncreative to either participate or to receive a copy of the zine once published.