Good news in Halifax: The Roberts Street Social Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia spent the earlier part of this year in a state of limbo. The building (which is also home to the Anchor Archive Zine Library, the Ink Storm Screenprinting Collective, various workshops and an artists’ residency) had been given an eviction notice earlier this year. For several months, the Centre’s staff and volunteers found themselves searching for a suitable space to transfer the library and the space’s various programs somewhere in Halifax. This has not been an easy task, and so we’re relieved to learn that the Centre’s eviction notice has been withdrawn and operations will continue at the little red house for another year. (You can read the full update here.) However, the Roberts Street Social Centre is still continuing its search for a long-term home and will accept all suggestions, donations and ideas for fundraising projects. Visit the Centre’s website to learn more about this wonderful community organization and how you can help out.
(Illustration at left by Halifax’s Geordan Moore.)
Flippin’ Around Toronto: This summer has brought some interesting initiatives between the TTC and local artists, including Confessions Underground, a project where commuters had their secrets recorded and projected onto TTC platform screens. Come August, TTC riders will have the opportunity to see a series of beautiful and totally unique flip-books created by a group of Toronto artists. The Flip-Toronto project gathered these artists and asked them to choose their favorite site or neighbourhood in the city and create a flip-book based on their knowledge of the area’s history, their own memories and experiences, and anything else that would allow them to depict the place without sound or text. The results have been digitized and my goodness are they amazing. The best part is that each of these books is an entirely personal piece of interpretation. You can see them on the TTC beginning August 4th, or check out videos of each book here.
“I’ve already shown my pimply butt to everyone. It’s too late, you know?” We recently came across – and LOVED – this incredibly candid and thoughtful interview with former Bikini Kill-Le Tigre frontwoman Kathleen Hanna. Granted, we’re generally pretty biased when it comes to Hanna, but this interview particularly stood out because of its honesty. It sounds like two pals talking, which is generally the best sort of interview. In the story, Hanna talks about her zine-making past as well as the nooks and crannies of the often-painful and always challenging process of being an artist. Hugely inspiring and a fun read. Also in rad Bikini Kill-related news: They’ve launched their own record label.
Rock n’ Roll Cakes: As someone who once attempted to make a Snoop Dogg cake for a friend’s birthday and failed utterly, I was pretty impressed by this article collecting photos of cakes that resemble rock stars. Some, of course, are more successful than others. Are you good at making cakes that look like people? Famous people, even? Got any tips? Let me know!
