This project is structured around an annual program designed to promote the publishing world of alternative publications known as fanzines (zines), linked to the theme of the city, i.e. focusing on the multifaceted richness of urban, architectural and visual culture that characterizes these urban areas and their life experiences. The aim is to schedule events and exhibitions, and to build a pioneering physical collection on this type of publications that strategically punctuate our territory and that are, for the most part, often forgotten or known only by a very particular audience. The specificity of this project is counterbalanced by the range and diversity of its thematic universe: architecture, public space, urban culture, drawing, photography and film. The project Cityzines will thus help to create a space for debate and critical commentary, as well as to encourage and promote the production and creation of cityzines at a national and international levels.
The word Cityzines, the main motto of our project, is actually the combination of two words: city + zines. Starting with the word that arouses more curiosity, zines (fanzines), we are immediately led to wonder what the origin of this suffix is. Zine, in the English language, can be understood as the abbreviated word to designate magazine, which in turn has its origin in the arabic word makhazin - the plural of makhzan, meaning warehouse - storehouse1. Already fanzine is the result of a combination of two words - fan and magazine or zine - and is characterized for being an alternative publication created by fans of a particular theme or cultural phenomenon.
CITYZINES COLLECTION
The creation of Cityzines collection intends to strengthen and promote the study and dissemination of author’s editions and other publications linked to the theme of architecture, city and territory, where the image and photography are present in a significant way, with a special interest and focus on the multifaceted richness of urban, architectural and visual culture that characterizes the urban agglomerations and their experiences. This collection started with a survey more focused on the Portuguese context, but also integrates publications from other countries with a view to internationalization of the project.
It is important to note that there are no clear boundaries separating the fanzine from an artist book and this from a picture-book. Fanzines were also some points of departure for amateur publications less often known prozines. In addition, it should be noted that in many disciplines and art such as engineering, architecture, photography, this type of alternative publications - zines, photo books, small magazine (Little Magazine) and other similar - were responsible for influencing important currents of thought, movements, and professional practices of many authors and institutional groups.
It was decided to start this collection focused on Documentary and Artistic Photography related to Architecture, City and Territory.
Authors and Editors of 1st Publication: Pedro Leão Neto (ed.), Ana aragão, Elias Redstone, Ivo Poças Martins, Joaquim Moreno, Nuno Grande, Pedro Leão Neto, José Luís Neves