ZINEGEIST

We are planning a second edition of last year’s very successful Zine Affair, this time with an even better title: ZineGeist.

This year we will again host a day of display and trading of zines and artist books in the gallery. To allow for more people to explore, browse and read, we have added on a short exhibition (2 weeks) where zines and artist books will be on view and for sale.

Day of trade: Saturday 12 April 2025 12 – 5pm
Exhibition of zines and artist books until Saturday 26 April
Open stage for dramatic zine and other readings: Saturday 26 April 2pm-5pm, with cake.

Everybody is welcome to attend and participate.

Zine and artist book makers, mark your calendars and register your interest via this form.

Zines are small circulation, self-published works (often book-shape) that are made by individuals or small groups. Zine fairs are events where zines are bought, sold or swapped. “ZineGeist” at The Little Machine will offer an opportunity to zine makers and artist book maker both local interstate, and international to present and distribute their work in a gallery setting. 

The Little Machine reserves the right to refuse the display of any zines or associated materials that it deems inappropriate. 

More information for exhibitors

Who
Everyone interested in zines and/or artist books is welcome to participate.

Cost / Fee
Participation in ZINEGEIST is free. If you would like The Little Machine to manage the sale of your zines we will charge 10% on cash or eftpos transactions. The donation of one copy of your zine for The Little Machine zine-library would be very much appreciated. 

Concept
ZINEGEIST is not a zine fair, but rather a gallery-based display of zines. ZINEGEIST is for people to read and appreciate zines and for zine-makers to sell and trade their work.
Zines will be displayed on shelves and plinths in an exhibition. Visitors will be invited to handle and read zines. Each registered exhibitor will have a number that will be displayed next to their work, on the floor sheet, and (optional) on their person.
A floor sheet will be created “live” by the exhibitors themselves.
Exhibitors that are present will wear their number and can trade or sell in the gallery or in the public areas of the arcade.
There will be seating in the gallery for people to sell or trade. But because there is only limited seating in the gallery the majority of trading and selling might have to happen in the public areas of the arcade where additional seating is available. There will be no fixed/assigned seating for exhibitors, except for those requiring it for accessibility.

Please note:

  • ZINEGEIST is for zines and artist books only (prints, stickers or other merchandise will not be included in the display and removed from the gallery)
  • Zines or artist books that are deemed inappropriate will be removed by The Little Machine team.

Selling or Trading
Selling or trading your work is optional. The main aim of the event is to showcase work. One copy of each zine or artist book can be displayed in the gallery, additional copies for selling/trading should be kept on your person. For this reason it might be a good idea to bring a box or backpack.
There is no secure wifi, digital transactions should happen via your personal mobile network.
The Little Machine can handle transactions on your behalf (see participating via proxy). 
Exhibitors may prefer cash, so bringing cash is recommended. There is an ATM in Adelaide Arcade, 2 minutes away. 

Participating in person
Please arrive at 11am on Saturday 12 April to register, and set up your work.
You will be allocated a number. Each of your displayed zines or artist books should be shelved or placed with your number on the provided spaces in the gallery. To ensure your zine or artist book does not get lost we will attach it to the wall/plinth with a paperclip and wire.
There will be a digital floorsheet where you input your name, social handles, prices. The Little Machine directors can aid you in this process.
If you want to sell/trade you should wear or display your number on your person so people can find you to talk about your work.

Late arrival (after 12pm or unregistered exhibitor)
Please announce yourself to Eleen Deprez or Michael Newall (The Little Machine directors). We will provide you with a number and help with the installation of your work.

Display
The gallery walls will have shelves at various height. Zines and artist books will be displayed on them facing out (I.e. front cover). If your work is “off-format” or cannot balance on the shelves it can be displayed flat on the plinths provided. If your zine or artist book is eyes-only (i.e. people cannot handle it) please unsure you include an appropriate and clear labelling.

Participating via Proxy
Exhibitors can participate via proxy by either mailing their work directly, dropping them off at The Little Machine, or having a participating friend handle their display.
If exhibitors want to sell via The Little Machine, they must include a clear pricing structure and bank details for sales, with The Little Machine taking a 10% commission for eftpos costs and administration.

  1. Post your directly to The Little Machine. Please include all information that needs to be displayed with your zine (for example your name, contact details, social media handles). If you want to sell your zine please include additional copies. Make sure your package arrives by Thursday 10 April EOB.
    The Little Machine
    Shop 12 Regent Arcade
    101 Rundle Mall
    5000 Adelaide
    Or,
  2. You can drop your zines off at The Little Machine
    Any time during opening hours until 29 March
    Or by appointment (send email)
    Or,
  3. Liaise with a participating friend
    Your friend will have to register and display your work on your behalf.

Note: selling via proxy
If you want to sell your zines but can’t attend in person you can ask The Little Machine to sell your zines. Please ensure that you include a clear pricing structure for your submitted work and bank details where sales can be deposited. To cover eftpos costs and administration The Little Machine will take 10% off your sales.

FAQ

Is there a maximum number of participants? 
No. 

What is the registration deadline? 
There is none, you can show up on they with your zines and artist books on the day itself.

Do I have to leave my work for the exhibition?
No, if you do not want your work included in the exhibition (16 April – 26 April) please ensure you collect your work at the end of the fair on Saturday 12th April or inform the The Little Machine directors clearly with instructions.

Can I present (and sell) things that are not zines or artist books at Zine Affair?
No, thank you. 

Do I have to commit to being there for the whole day? 
No, you and your zines can stay as long as you want. 

Is this an event for all ages? 
Yes, some work might present adult content, viewer discretion is advised. 

Is this event dog-friendly? 
Yes, dogs are welcome, especially if they have made a zine or star in a zine.  

Are there toilets?
No, there are no bathroom facilities in the gallery. The closest public bathrooms (all gender&accessible) are in Adelaide Arcade or Rundle Place foodcourt.

Can I bring snacks?
Only if you bring enough to share with everyone and ensure fingers are clean when handling zines and artist books.