Torquay to host panel on the future of independent publishing

THE Surf Coast will explore the future of independent publishing with a free panel discussion at Patagonia Torquay on Thursday, 30 May from 6 to 7:30 pm.

The event, part of the Melbourne Art Book Fair and Melbourne Design Week 2024, highlights the importance of local and global perspectives in independent media.

The panel, titled “Next Wave: the Future of Independent Publishing,” will feature prominent local creatives and publishers including Gill Hutchison of Surf Life: Women Who Live to Surf and Create, Mick Sowry from Great Ocean Quarterly, Oliver Georgiou of MINDHEAD, Sean Doherty from Surfing World, and Tamsin O’Neill of Green Magazine and Walkers Journal.

The discussion will be moderated by Ula Majewski, a storyteller and environmental campaigner whose career spans editorial work, art curation, and environmental activism.

Regional Arts Victoria manager Stacie Bobele said the Surf Coast was home to a number of world-class independent publishers and writers.

“In a world where mainstream media is increasingly concentrated and corporatised, a thriving independent publishing sector is more important than ever,” she said.

The panel will explore topics such as the curation, culture, content, marketing, distribution, and business models of independent publishing.

MelbourneArt Book Fair’s regional program producer, Isabella Farchione said the event was not to be missed.

“Our regional program highlights the exceptional quality of independent art book publishing and celebrates the beauty of community found in regional areas,” she said.

For free tickets and more information about the speakers, visit the Melbourne Art Book Fair website.