I have to agree that space for ‘zines and other independent art endeavors is tight and for good reason. From my experience in working in the legal profession, I know that most property owners are property owners to make money and for very little else. In order to get their space, you have to give them your money. In addition, you have to give the utility companies money, the tax collectors money, the promoters money, the insurance people money and the security/parking/building staff trinity their money. That’s why organizations that want to do this type of thing find their biggest obstacle is finding a place in which to do it.
There is a way, however. When the number of like-minded people reaches critical mass, things begin to happen.
Some local examples: Deep Ellum It began as artists needing huge amounts of cheap space who banded together for safety and community. Happily, where art goes, art groupies follow. Bars, gift shops, offices and restaurants all sprang up in the Deep Ellum area because they wanted to be a part of what was going on (and to make a few bucks as well). Yes, the developers have started to creep in - but as Deep Ellum becomes less affordable to artists looking for cheap space, they will move on and create yet another art space. And the process will begin again. I understand a "Deep Ellum" type transformation is now taking place in the Bishop Street area of Oak Cliff, but I never get out that way to see if this is true. It’s too bad that city planners and real estate owners don’t realize that artists play as vital a role in creating community spaces as any subdivision or outlet shopping mall.
Another example: The Writers Garret. Started only a few years ago by Thea Temple, it has grown to be recognized throughout the state as a showcase and workshop for local (and national) writers. TWG holds classes and lectures in the rooms above Paperbacks Plus on Skillman. They have no space of their own (that I know of) but they take advantage of their connections in the community to make use of community spaces (such as the Bath House Cultural Center at White Rock Lake)
The point: I belive when the number of ‘zine minded reaches critical mass, the space will appear. In the meantime, there are spaces such as those mentioned in the Revolutionary, Dittman and Crow articles in issue #69, such as independent coffee houses and book stores. Sure, there can be problems and their articles mentioned them.
Some solutions: Think globally, act locally! Indie owners giving you the brush off? Open your living room! Have a ‘zine salon. Encourage reading, civil discourse, and BYOB. This is a localized solution. And if you don’t want total strangers wearing leather and spikes milling about in your living room, then you may want to consider that great electronic rumpus room - the chat. Space on the internet is still a bargain and no one has to worry about the silverware disappearing or what to tip the valet. The zine-minded everywhere can meet and chat for a flat rate. We’re talking anywhere in the world, not just the U.S. It’s no substitute for the person-to-person experience, but it’s one place where you can tell someone you like them for their mind, and mean it.
I can’t agree with one article’s use of space for exhibiting "the lousy as well as the genius". That’s one reason art galleries and art spaces are empty most of the time ( although no one will ever say it). There’s plenty of the lousy around - that’s why you’ve got to have plenty of food at gallery openings. If your showplace is showing crap, you won’t get a lot of repeat business. There is nothing wrong with bombing out, but ideally, the classroom should be the place for failure. This harkens back to that old argument of the artist not being able to communicate his message to the viewer. If he can’t speak to his audience at some level - through technical artistry, significance of message, or simply being entertaining - he’s not going to have an audience, nor does he deserve one.
One thing I heartily agree with is the description of the zine space as being as much a workshop as an exhibition space. Having creative karma at work anywhere is good for business (see above examples.)
Every art space in the physical world started with an art space in someone’s head. ‘Zinesters, poets, artists everywhere don’t have to wait for someone with extra real estate lying around to grant them largess. Like the man (kind of) said "If you think it, they will come."
There's one option I'd like to mention on the local level.. especially in smaller towns that can't support too many arts organizations. Zinesters and other "off the map" artists of different types should consider supporting some of the existing arts organizations in their areas. I realize many long-standing organizations tend to he a bit conservative, but an organization's character is determined by the make-up of their membership. If a whole bunch of forward-thinking artists join an organization and become vital members (y'know paying their dues on time, serving time on committees, attending meetings, helping to plan events, etc.) the organization will have to change. Democracy can work-especially on a small scale-but it takes work and not all that work is glamorous. Even if not everybody likes what you are doing personally, they will respect you if you are doing work to keep the organization alive.