New event series celebrates Toronto's small press scene

The Commonwealth is a new collective and event series that's been put together to foster the health of Toronto's DIY and small press publishing scene. And boy could it use it. Although there are plenty of truly independent publications out there, outside of events like Word on the Street, there are precious few occasions in which the the folks behind such endeavours are able to come together and offer their work in a wider context.

To employ a cliche, there's power in numbers — and the opportunity to join forces in promoting the DIY publishing scene is one that benefits both the creators and their readers, the latter of whom are exposed to variety of publications they might not have known about previously.

Founded by Go Home Print, Marishka Anne and Kelsey Stasiak, the Commonwealth's first event takes place on June 1st at 163 Sterling Rd, a location that's long been a hotbed for DIY types and creative initiatives. In conjunction with the launch of Go Home Magazine's third issue, the get together will feature no less than 25 other vendors, who will offer a wide array of wares, including zines, t-shirts and photographs.

Over and above the stuff you can buy, the idea is to put members of this creative community in the same room, ply them with (cheap) beer, and establish connections between writers, artists and publishers that will ultimately serve to bolster the scene as a whole. Oh, there will also be a bonfire. What more could you want?

Photo via Go Home Magazine