Zine Mela – Workshop 2: A Zine Think-In: Colonial Crime Cross-Solidarity Famine Zine (Bengal 1943, Ireland 1847)
Join artist and writer Hamja Ahsan for this creative writing and collaborative zine workshop exploring the Bengal Famine of 1943 and the Irish Famine of 1847, and the possibilities of cross-solidarity in remembering colonial crimes. Part of the Zine Mela Exhibition, this hands-on workshop invites participants to experiment with ideas, create together and contribute to the vibrant world of independent zine culture.
WHEN: Saturday, 14 November, 2pm – 5pm
WHERE: IHRC Bookshop (202 Preston Road, Wembley, HA9 8PA)
About the event:
Explore how art, memory and collective creativity connect histories of colonial violence across borders.
Join this creative writing and collaborative zine workshop with Hamja Ahsan, exploring the Bengal Famine of 1943 and the Irish Famine of 1847, and the possibilities of cross-solidarity in remembering colonial crimes.
Participants will begin work on a Sinéad O’Connor collage, drawing connections between these histories through the work of the Famine Federations collective. The workshop will also explore the famine artwork of Bengali artist Zainul Abedin, alongside the Zine Mela collection of zines documenting colonial resistance.
Drawing on the archives of IHRC’s Genocide Memorial Month, the session will consider whose suffering is commemorated, whose histories remain overlooked, and how art and independent publishing can challenge collective amnesia.
The workshop offers space to reflect, exchange ideas and create collaboratively, connecting historical memory with contemporary creative expression.
Getting there:
- By Tube: the nearest station is Preston Road Underground Station on the Metropolitan line, approximately a 2–3 minute walk from the bookshop.
- By Bus: several bus stops are within a short walk of the venue, including stops on Preston Road and Carlton Avenue East. Check live routes and connections using TfL Journey Planner.
- By car and parking: the nearest public option is Preston Road Car Park (sat-nav postcode HA3 0QQ). It has 164 spaces, including disabled bays. Charges and restrictions apply, so check the Brent Council parking information before travelling. The surrounding residential roads also offer free parking if it is not a Wembley event day.Â
Tip: Check TfL service updates before setting off, and allow extra time if travelling by car during a Wembley event.
