ICT4S Zine

The ICT4S Zine Collective is a space in the ICT4S programme for “different” research on ICT and sustanability – projects and knowledge which are specifically creative, reflective and don’t fit neatly in the shape of a traditional paper, demo or workshop. It’s also, we hope, a space to open conversations about how we might go about doing research “differently” – in ways which are more communal, participatory, or convivial, and which might help us adapt to the climate crisis we all face.

Zine culture has a long history as a means of expression and community building, and especially so in feminist, activist and queer spaces and otherwise marginalised cultures. Building on that tradition, and with the hope that we could use the zine format to foster inclusion in the ICT4S community, and promote a diversity of ways of thinking about and researching ICT and sustainability that are underrepresented in a traditional academic setting.

For 2024 we produced an ICT4S Zine - a collection of short contributions that explore alternative visions, ideas and critiques on the topic of sustainability and ICT. It’s a creative format, with much freedom to craft, create, write and reflect through imagery, illustrations, cutouts or regular text – you name it! In past editions we’ve included poetry, comics, art, cartoons and shorter, creative texts alongside more traditional essays.

Our intention is not to have exclusively professional-grade design work in this zine. Instead, we want participants to be inspired by the DIY-nature of zine culture that welcomes all skill levels. For inspiration, we recommend looking up the DIY Methods Conference which is an academic conference in the form of a zine circle.

A range of activities

This year, we’re organising three different activities, in order to ensure that as diverse a group of people can participate as possible, in the manner that suits them.

A pre-conference Zine Jam

We’ll be organising a zine jam with regular online drop-in sessions, providing support to help you connect with other zine makers and produce your contribution.

You’re welcome no matter what stage your zine is at - whether you’ve got a full zine planned out, you're looking for collaborators, you’re a creative who wants to work with others, or you just have the seed of an idea or a question you’d like to explore.

Early in March we will host and facilitate sessions for connecting contributors. We’ll take the seeds of ideas, questions, or provocations you’ve submitted and help you find potential collaborators.

You can join at any point If you’d like to be involved in the Zine Jam. All Zines must be submitted by 8th May 2026 for printing.

The format for printed zines is 8 pages in A5. Each zine will be printed as an individual contribution and made available at the conference as well as in a digital library. If you’re thinking about making a shorter zine we can match you with other zine makers to make a full 8 page collective zine.

Registering your interest for the Zine Jam

If you’re interested in participating in the Zine Jam in any form please email Oliver Bates (o.bates@lancaster.ac.uk) to register your interest. Please include one sentence.

A zine hub during the conference

During the conference we’re planning to have a hybrid space where attendees can drop in and read existing zine contributions, as well as make or deposit their own, without any fixed schedule. We’ll have all the equipment, materials, and practical knowledge needed, you just need to bring your ideas and a willingness to get involved and express them! You’re welcome to bring your own materials, printing techniques, approaches to making, and ideas along.

The zine space will be an open and creative space where anyone can anyone can creative, make, experiment or play around.

As part of this, the Zine collective is planning running creative activities - for example - a corner where attendees can leave anonymous messages or confessions (e.g., “My most unsustainable tech habit is…”, “The sustainability thing I pretend to understand but don’t is…”) for others to turn into collage, zines, poetry or any kind of art.

We are also planning on hosting a meetup board, where anyone can suggest an activity and invite others along during the conference.

Online Zine Library

After the conference ends all the contributions will be made available in an online zine library, to ensure that they’re accessible and preserved for future years!

Timeline

• 24 January - 8 May: Register your interest to join the Zine by e-mail to o.bates@lancaster.ac.uk
• 9 March - 8 May: Pre-conference online Zine Jam
• 22 May: Deadline for submitting Zines contributions (early contributions welcome)
• 8 - 12 June: Zines Library and Zine making space at the ICT4S conference in Bern

The ICT4S Zine Collective

The ICT4S Zine Collective are: Nimra Ahmed, Oliver Bates, Tim Cowlishaw, Oana Dumbrava, Lupita Guillen Mandujano, Samuel Mann, Clara Rigaud and Josefin Wangel.