Marginal Changemakers Launch Comics Fair to Support Local Talent
The Marginal Changemakers are poised to transform the comics industry with the launch of the Mersey Margins Comics Collective Fair on February 15th, 2025. This innovative event, organised by Comics Youth CIC, seeks to establish a supportive and inclusive space for early-career and marginalised comic artists from the Liverpool City Region.
The fair will offer free tables, travel reimbursements, and artist development forums led by industry professionals. It aims to empower young creators and cultivate a vibrant community of independent talent.
- The Mersey Margins Collective Comics Fair will take place on February 15th. Applications will open on November 13th and close on November 28th.
- Young, early-career comics artists from across the Liverpool City Region (including Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St. Helens, and Wirral) are warmly invited to apply.
- Tables at the fair are free, and exhibitors can have their travel costs refunded.
- Successful exhibitors will have the opportunity to attend artist development forums before the event, where they can share knowledge and learn more about conventions and publishing from industry professionals.
- The Marginal Changemakers is an activist cohort run by Comics Youth, focused on changing the publishing industry and creating a better environment for comics to thrive.
On February 15th, 2025, the Mersey Margins Comics Collective Fair will debut in the Liverpool City Region, providing a new, community-focused, and youth-led space for early-career and marginalised comic artists to showcase their work, learn from industry leaders, and thrive in an often inaccessible industry. The Mersey Margins Comics Collective Fair has been created by the Marginal Changemakers, a program of Comics Youth CIC, and aims to redefine and radically transform the concept of a comics fair.
"This is an inspired and inspiring initiative much needed if the comics industry in Britain is going to grow and enable talented young people from the margins to be seen and flourish."
In addition to highlighting marginalised and independent young comic artists, the exhibitors will have the opportunity to participate in artist development forums led by industry professionals. These forums will provide valuable insights on a range of topics, including self-publishing, navigating comic conventions, and building sustainable careers in the comics industry.
Continuing its commitment to accessibility, Mersey Margins offers free tables and reasonable travel reimbursements for selected exhibitors. Applications for exhibitors are open today and will close on November 28th.Creators from the Liverpool City Region are encouraged to apply for a table here.
"This is more than a regular comics fair, this will radicalise the way independent conventions are run, offering free tables, paid travel and artist development opportunities for the exhibitors."
The inspiration for Mersey Margins stems from a desire to support creators who are struggling to make comics in a competitive industry. We aim to create an event that focuses less on celebrities and corporate interests and more on building a sense of community. The Marginal Changemakers are dedicated to addressing these challenges by hosting a welcoming, community-oriented event for independent creators. We believe that independent work is essential for challenging the existing power structures in the comics industry. Mersey Margins aims to revolutionise how independent comics events are organised, prioritising the nurturing of talent and the support of emerging voices.
"As a queer, disabled person; the regular comic conventions feel unappealing and the organisers do not accommodate people like me. More alternative, community-based events have tailored similar interests and more diversity within them."
The goal is for artists to leave the event feeling empowered and excited about their future in the industry, while convention visitors will enjoy experiencing the diverse comic arts from the Liverpool City Region.
The Marginal Changemakers will publish their findings afterwards, providing valuable insights for both early-career artists and ways for convention organizers to better support their exhibitors. Mersey Margins has already received praise and support from highly respected UK comics convention organizers, with endorsements from the Lakes International Comics Arts Festival, Thought Bubble, and MaccPow. Mersey Margins is more than just a comics fair; it serves as a stepping stone toward a more inclusive and diverse comics industry. The initiative focuses on empowering young creators, reshaping how conventions are organized, and creating lasting change for future generations of comics artists.
