Michelle Downer's Page

Midwest Zine Collective (January 2007-present)
Visit the Collective's website at: midwestzines.org

The Collective encourages the creation and sharing of zines, independent media, and alternative publishing in the Midwest. The Collective helps expand networks of zine communities and, at the same time, increase individual and institutional awareness of zines.

The Collective's goals, so far, are to:
-Coordinate, support, and sponsor zine fests in the Midwest. Zine fests involve zine creators, readers, researchers, and other experts who educate, inform, and draw others into the zine scene. The fest helps people to directly share skills and information related to zines and zine culture.
-Donate zines to libraries and infoshops located in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Illinios, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
- Host and travel to other zine-related events.
- Mentor students and other individuals who want to make their own zines and learn about the zine world.
-Serve as a resource for the needs of the zine community and a source of information about zines in the Midwest to the general public.

Madison Zine Fest (October 2004-present)
The 2008 Madison Zine Fest will be held on Saturday, October 18 from 12-6 PM at the Majestic Theatre. Visit midwestzines.org for more information.

Echo Zine Distro (August 2000-December 2006)