Once open a time, radicals made homemade bulletins, posters, and newsheets to distribute in their communities, workplaces and on demonstrations. The processes underpinning the production and dissemination of these materials forged strong social bonds, relationships and solidified politics. What have we lost in an era where social media is the main means to disseminate political propaganda? Perhaps a return and reinvention of these forms is necessary at a time when public space in London has become heavily privatised and sanitised to mask the struggles which concern us all.
Radical print matter made visual and physical the chaos of political activity, making issues harder to ignore and creating opportunities for gathering. While social media can be effective in raising awareness and spreading information, it also reinforces the diffusion of communities, keeping us tethered to our devices and unused to direct political action. These are some of questions we hope to explore through this workshop.
Join Seth Wheeler and MayDay Rooms to discuss the history and utility of radical diy print media, and turn your hand to the production of some ‘rough and ready’ leaflets for your own campaigns! Materials and refreshments provided.
