Celebrating ZineLab: Creativity, Confidence & Community
We recently wrapped up an inspiring 10-week journey with ZineLab, our creative project designed in partnership with Southend Libraries and Southend City Council Young Carers. The project brought together a brilliant group of young carers to explore zine-making, visual storytelling, and self-expression—and the results were truly incredible!
At our final session, the young participants proudly shared their zines with friends, family, and supporters in a celebratory sharing event. It was a joyful evening filled with creativity, pride, and connection. The young people showcased the vibrant, personal work they had produced over the weeks, and it was clear how much they had gained from the experience—not just artistically, but personally.
“I enjoyed these 10 weeks very much and would go through it all again with the same group of people. It helped me express my creativity and it made me very happy and comforted.”
- ZineLab Participant
“You have helped my daughter’s confidence and artistic side come alive. Keep doing what you are doing, it’s amazing.”
The project was led by our fantastic artist facilitators, Connor Turansky and Amber Merry, who guided the group with encouragement and creative spark. Their workshops introduced the group to a wide range of zine styles and digital art techniques- from traditional collage, illustration, and creative writing to digital illustration, 3D scanning, augmented reality (AR), graphic design, typography, bookbinding, and pop-up book construction- helping each participant to develop their own unique voice.
“Connor and Amber are amazing and inspiring. The young people really enjoyed participating and benefited from exploring and being creative. The result was excellent—wonderful zine.”
We are deeply grateful to the young carers who took part with such enthusiasm and openness. Their positivity, talent, and teamwork made the project truly special.
🎉 Come and see the work!
The final ZineLab exhibition is now on display at The Forum, Southend, from Friday 30 May to Friday 27 June. We’d love you to come and see the amazing work these young people have created!
ZineLab was a free to access project for young carers from Elevator Arts in collaboration with Southend Library Service & Southend City Council's Young Carers .
The project is gratefully funded by National Lottery through Arts Council England and the Four Acre Core Cost Fund, which is administered by Essex Community Foundation.
Photos credit: Amber Merry
