Please read our FAQ below for more information on this year's event and application:
What has changed for SFZF 2015?
This year, San Francisco Zinefest will be held on September 6th 2015. Unlike previous years, SFZF 2015 will be a one day event. Because renting our venue for one day costs significantly less, table prices have gone down this year! Half tables cost $35 and full tables cost $65.
SFZF 2015 will be a curated event. Table sales are no longer first-come first-served. All interested participants are asked to fill out an application to SFZF 2015. Tabling applications are open from May 1st - May 22nd. We expect to receive more applications than we have spaces available, so we will not be able to offer everyone a table.
We will have significantly fewer full tables this year in order to accommodate as many zinesters as possible. Half tables are intended for individual artists and full tables will be reserved for distros and artist collectives.
Why are you requiring applications this year, instead of giving tables to whoever asks first?
We love how diverse the zine and DIY community is, especially in the Bay Area! And we know that the first-come-first-served approach to exhibitor selection, though simple, tends to leave out groups of folks who don’t have easy access to our announcements or to the internet in general. As organizers, we’re hoping that the time we’ll spend on reviewing and curating can create a more diverse event, showcasing everyone from veterans of the scene to first-time zinesters.
What are you looking for in my application?
There's no one right answer, other than: tell us about what you make and why you love zines! While you are welcome to sell things other than zines at your table, we are looking for artists that are involved in zines, comics, art books and other types of publications in some way.
What is a safer space, and why do I have to sign a safer space agreement?
A safer space is “a supportive, non-threatening environment that encourages open-mindedness, respect, a willingness to learn from others, as well as physical and mental safety” (from the Coalition for Safer Spaces). SFZF organizers are committed to maintaining a safer space at zinefest, and we ask all tablers and attendees to make the same commitment.
What do volunteers do at SF Zinefest?
Volunteers are an essential part of SF Zinefest! Some of the tasks we ask volunteers to help us with include: setting up and breaking down tables, supervising and collecting zines for the zine library, and helping attendees at the info table. Each year we have a zinefest pre-party with the volunteer staff. At the pre-party, everyone can meet and we make signs for the event, fold programs, and talk about logistics.
Volunteering with SFZF is also a great way to get to know the organizers, give feedback and share your ideas about the event. Much of the zinefest organizing team started out as volunteers. Some of the SFZF organizers will be stepping down after 2015, and new organizers will be needed in order for SFZF 2016 to happen!
