Westminster-Kingsway College

Westminster Kingsway College students get creative to produce their own 'zines' at the Regent's Park Centre

BTEC National Diploma Music and BTEC National Diploma Digital Media first year students have been taking part in a pilot project to design, contribute to and produce their own independent zine, AudioVisual; a youth culture zine.

As part of their project and to encourage wider interest, the students were invited to participate in a Zine Fayre, held at the College’s Regent’s Park Centre, where they had the opportunity to create their own zine.

Zines originated in the fanzine era of punk in the 1970s and have continued to be a non-corporate alternative to magazines and comic books. Students were able to work on zines from both the DIY punk style of the original zines and also using current digital techniques.

The Zine Fayre included guests from the world of zines, including Peter Willis from zine distributer Dead Trees & Dye who showcased zines from his list. Author and comic book expert Emmett Elvin was also there to show students his paintings and digital work and offer them practical advice.

First year Digital Media student, Donya Elva said: "I have been researching, designing and using my creative skills to produce my own zine. I chose the topic of metal band 'deathcore', who use a mixture of music styles. The zines are really personal as you can produce something that you relate to."

Learning Resource Centre staff at the Regent’s Park Centre were also involved in the Zine Fayre and worked with lecturers to provide resource materials from the British Library and other sources that the students could use in their work. The zines produced by the students were on display at the Zine Fayre and will later appear around the King’s Cross and Regent’s Park Centres.

Rachel Riley, Westminster Kingsway Head of Skills for Life, said: "The project is designed to develop cultural awareness, share knowledge and foster a collaborative learning culture as well as providing portfolio evidence for Communications and ICT Key Skills at levels 1 & 2. We have been really pleased with students. participation in the project and hope to build on this with other literacy related events throughout the year."