20-21-22 April 2012
3 days of independent magazines.
With the three-day event Facing Pages (formerly O.K. Festival), O.K. Lab brings leading independent magazine makers and aficionados to Arnhem. The event itself takes on the form of a magazine, and shows which part the independent magazine currently plays in the development of our visual culture. The organizer of this event is the Arnhem-based O.K. Lab, which over the last few years has developed itself into a center of the independent magazine world.
Phenomenon
The independent magazine is flourishing worldwide like never before. More and more designers, writers, and artists work on their own magazines, which appear either in print or virtually. These makers do not let themselves be limited by commercial interests, curators, institutes, and editorial staffs. They shape the visual culture of today according to their own views. With their magazines, they reach an audience that is as curious and independent as they are, an audience that feels closely involved with the maker and his magazine.
Playground
The independent magazine is a playground for makers and readers. It does not come about in a vacuum. The circle of people around the magazine is directly involved with the theme, content, and design of the magazine. It is this kind of crowd sourcing that makes independent magazines the stage of contemporary visual culture.