By Farzaneh Heidari
The Brookes Creative Meet-Up on 17th October brought together a diverse group of Oxford Brookes University students, particularly from the School of Arts, for a vibrant and collaborative session. The event provided students with the chance to engage creatively with peers and faculty, while also learning about exciting new initiatives led by Alexandra Shakespeare.
A New School of Art Publication
Alexandra Shakespeare, a Programme Lead in Journalism and Publishing, opened the session by announcing a brand-new publication for the School of Art. The project aims to highlight the best work from both students and lecturers, celebrating the artistic achievements within the school. Students from across the university, especially those from the School of Art, were encouraged to get involved as editors, photographers, graphic designers, writers, and social media coordinators.
Alexandra emphasised that this new publication will be annual, providing an ongoing opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in creating a professional-level magazine. From branding and concept development to editorial content, students will work closely with faculty to build a publication that can evolve and be handed over to new students each year.
This publication is a unique way to showcase the creativity and innovation that comes out of Oxford Brookes, blending student work with research and projects from the faculty. It will offer a platform to promote their achievements while fostering a collaborative spirit between students and lecturers.
What’s a Zine?
Alexandra took the opportunity to introduce students to the world of Zines, which are self-published magazines that bypass traditional publishing channels. Zines can cover a wide range of topics, from artistic expressions to personal narratives, with the focus being on creativity and accessibility. Zines can be made by anyone, without the need for professional skills or resources, making them a perfect medium for students to explore their ideas and express themselves freely.
A series of collages and zines created by students during the workshop. Photo by Farzaneh Heidari.
The Storytelling Competition
Following Alexandra’s announcement, our own Lucy Turner introduced the Storytelling Competition that had launched on 30th September. This competition invites students to create a one-page Zine or artwork, sharing a message to their future selves. The goal is to reflect on personal ambitions, dreams, and goals for the next five years, offering a creative way to explore themes like career aspirations, sustainability, and diversity.
Lucy explained that the competition is an opportunity to think deeply about future ambitions and how students want to remain conscious of key issues like sustainability and inclusivity. The challenge is designed to be fun and informal, allowing students to express their thoughts visually or through a narrative. This event was all about collaboration, with students encouraged to chat amongst themselves about their career goals and then express their ideas in a Zine or collage.
Zine-Making Workshop
The event quickly turned into a lively Zine-making workshop, with materials such as magazines, scissors, and glue provided for students to create their entries for the competition. Alexandra and Lucy guided students through the process, encouraging them to explore different creative techniques and to enjoy the informal, collaborative environment.
The students, many of whom had never created a Zine before, engaged in conversations with peers about their future ambitions. They then took those ideas and visually represented them using collages or other artistic expressions. The goal was to create something informal and fun, allowing creativity to flow without any constraints.
By the end of the session, students had not only created their entries but had officially entered the Storytelling Competition, with the chance to win Amazon vouchers. Lucy also mentioned that the Zines created during this workshop could be included in the upcoming School of Art publication, as well as showcased on the Brookes Creative website.
Brookes EDGE Recognition
In addition to the workshop, Lucy reminded everyone about the Brookes EDGE program, which tracks student involvement in extracurricular activities. She encouraged participants to register their attendance at the meet-up, as it counts towards their EDGE Award, which is acknowledged at graduation. Engaging with events like this one contributes to the Brookes EDGE portfolio, offering students recognition for their active participation in university life.
Students collaborating on Zine-making during the workshop. Photos by Farzaneh Heidari.
Alexandra Shakespeare engaging with students as they discuss their future aspirations. Photos by Farzaneh Heidari.
About Alexandra Shakespeare
Alexandra Shakespeare is an esteemed figure in the world of journalism and publishing. At Oxford Brookes, she serves as the Programme Lead in Journalism and Publishing, where she brings her extensive industry experience to the classroom. Alexandra has worked in leading editorial roles for brands like BBC Worldwide, TI Media, and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, and has launched publications in the UK and the Middle East.
A strong advocate for diversity in the media, Alexandra chairs the university’s Journalism Advisory Board and is dedicated to broadening participation in media education. Through initiatives like the Brookes Creative Meet-Ups and the new School of Art publication, she is providing students with invaluable opportunities to gain real-world experience in journalism, publishing, and creative media. You can find Alexandra on LinkedIn and to read more about her work and professional journey check out our Freelancer Five.
The 17th October event showcased the strength of the creative community at Oxford Brookes, with students from across the university, especially from the School of Art, participating in meaningful conversations and hands-on activities. The announcement of the new publication, combined with the creative Zine-making session, demonstrated the university’s commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration.
If you missed this session, you can attend our next Brookes Creative Meet-Up Event on November 4th to express your creative voice!