Anarchist Bookfair turns 10
On Saturday, May 16th, the main auditorium in the CEDA in Little Burgundy will be filled with people sharing ideas and information by buying and selling books, posters and DVDs as workshops take place in the rest of the space. The next day, it’s more workshops, many more. This is the annual Montreal Anarchist Bookfair, probably the largest such event in North America.
This year, it’s year ten for an event that hopes to promote anarchism through grassroots democracy, direct action, autonomy and solidarity while opposing oppression in all its forms. While rooted in anarchism, the bookfair is open to all, even those who do not necessarily consider themselves anarchist. The only groups not welcome are those promoting capitalism, imperialism, patriarchy, capitalism, heterosexism, colonialism and statism.
While tablers vary from groups dealing with a particular political issue, zine writers and publishers, illustrators with anit-oppressive perspectives and activist theatre artists (the infringement Festival has tabled there since 2004), an emphasis when it comes to space allotments is placed on the written word.
Over the past decade, the Bookfair has seen a variety of workshops dealing with anarchist-themed topics. Some delve into anarchist topics in depth while others deal with anarchist ideas in an introductory way and are designed to be open to non-anarchists. OTL’s Radical Theatre: Culture-Jamming and Theatrical Activism workshop was presented as part of this series in 2002.
The Bookdfair is now part of the month-long Festival of Anarchy which includes theatre and other anarchist-themed arts and events.
While submissions for workshops have closed for the year, there is still tabling space available and they are looking for volunteers. You can get involved through their website.
