Indiecon 2021: Independent Publishing Festival

We are delighted to announce that the Indiecon 2021: Independent Publishing Festival opens its gates beginning of September for the eighth time, since its founding in 2014 for visitors. More than 70 independent publishing houses and solo publishers present and sell their magazines, books, zines, and printed goods at Indiecon 2021. Once more with distance, mask, and preregistration. However, a visit is still worth it: As of now, visitors can immediately book a free ticket. Those who don’t want to miss the event should be quick: The number of guests is limited due to the corona pandemic.

The event’s theme Reflections calls for everyone to look in the mirror: What do you see? Indiecon 2021 is about shifting identities and notions of self, reflections of social change that are rooted in independent publishing, and the right time to do some thinking. And for this, in these times—there is ample opportunity. “This year again, the Indiecon will again be a kaleidoscope reflecting the themes of the pandemic,” Festival organizers Die Brueder Publishing explain.

Afropean Experience, Queer Erotica, Climate Change, and Anti-fascism
“Hardly any medium can react faster or more accurately to society’s disposition—reflecting it—than an independent magazine,” Brenneisen says. On the tables of this year’s exhibitors, audiences will find publications centering on Afropean experiences and anti-fascism, climate change and gentrification, queer erotica, and neurodiversity. The titles give a view into phenomenological claims onto everyday objects that function as mirrors of larger social relationships—from the gene mutation of red hair to a tea ceremony. The publishers survived the pandemic—how did this effect the magazines, zines, or books?

At the end of day, it is about giving space to independent publishing in times of pandemic. “We believe that literature, journalism, and art can hold a society together. Every publication opens a window into the thoughts of another human—and ideas develop in exchange. This is now more important than ever,” Indiecon’s organizers write.

Of Chances and Constraints
For Indiecon COVID-19 also means a lot of changes: Instead of a bustling large event—open to everyone—Indiecon 2021 guests must register in advance.

This way, a safe number of people can browse in the indoor area. Inside masks on for safety. “It is the same principle like shopping at the supermarket: disinfect hands, masks on, maintain your distance,” Indiecon’s organizers write. Last year and this year too, the organizers successfully implemented a safety and hygiene concept.

Number one priority, exhibitors and audiences should feel safe. To participate for free in Indiecon you will need a negative Corona test, a vaccination certificate and an FPP2 mask. Detailed information about the Corona measures is available on the Indiecon website and we recommend revisiting the website shortly before the event.

“We hope that the guests profit at the end of the day from the change-up of the set up,”the organizers write. A smaller crowd at the event allows for a more intimate exchange with publishers. Guests are encouraged to browse their interests in advance. For this, a comprehensive online catalog will be made available on the Indiecon website.

Indiecon 2021: Independent Publishing Festival — Reflections

Where?
Stockmeyerstraße 43
Oberhafen, Hamburg
Germany

When?
September 3rd to 5th, 2021
Friday, September 3rd, 2021, 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday, September 4th, 2021, 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, September 5th, 2021, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Find further information here, visit their conference’s website or book a free ticket for events on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th, of September at Hamburg’s Oberhafen.

One insecurity remains, should Covid-19 infections rise and lead to necessary constraints, Indiecon might face cancelation.