Dublin Anarchist Bookfair

by D Sat Jan 14, 2006 12:15

I'll try pop by and have a look,where exactly is it put?Location-wise?

by Chekov Sat Jan 14, 2006 12:21

St. Nicholas of Myra hall - just off Francis Street.

More details will follow soon including a map of exactly how to get there.

by James R Sat Jan 14, 2006 23:11

There's a map over here: http://www.struggle.ws/bookfair/

by Robin Sun Jan 15, 2006 20:40

Can anyone set up a stall or is it strictly Anarchist groups etc?

by James Sun Jan 15, 2006 23:59

Certainly anyone won't be able to have a stall. It's going to pretty anarchist, but some progressive campaigns and purveyors of radical books should be able to have stalls. We've a provisional list made out, but I can't recall the details. An example would be RAR.

We're also going to have a some talks and workshops.

by guydebordisdeadhelpful Wed Jan 18, 2006 10:46

A map!!

by sovietpop - wsm Fri Feb 10, 2006 18:01

Here's a poster for the bookfair.

Dublin Anarchist Bookfair Poster

by sovietpop Sat Feb 18, 2006 13:18

In recognition of the fact that anarchism is a truly international movement, Dave from NEFAC (the North Eastern Federation of Anarcho Communists) will talk about his experience of organising and fill us in on the state of the anarchist movement in North America. NEFAC are an anarchist communist group that are heavily involved in union and anti war work as well as having played a major role in organising some of the first anti globalisation demonstrations.

A speaker from the WSM will also give a brief summary of the past few years of the anarchist movement in Ireland.

We hope that this session will allow us to learn from the experiences of others, spot common difficulties faced by our movement and to help us overcome them.

The talk will be held from 3.30 -4.30 in the Red Room

You can find out more information about NEFAC on their webpage here http://www.nefac.net/

by Joe Mon Feb 20, 2006 12:53

The first Dublin anarchist bookfair is being held in St Nicholas of Myra Hall in the heart of the Liberties, just off Francis Street on March 3rd and 4th. We interviewed Dermot, one of the organisers of the bookfair.
see
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/74328

by sovietpop - wsm Tue Feb 21, 2006 16:12

Jennifer from the Cork Autonomist Zone (CAZ), William from Seomra Spraoi and Dean from the Grand Banks squat and the newly opened Square in London, discuss their experiences in being involved with Social Centre projects. In particular they will try and answer whether social centres are social spaces or whether they are political spaces.

For information on Seomra Spraoi: http://seomraspraoi.blogspot.com/
For information on the Square: http://www.londonsocialcentre.org.uk/
For more information on Cork Autonomist Zone: http://struggle.ws/wsm/ws/2003/ws75/caz.html

The meeting will be on at two o'clock in the Red room.

by Mike Wed Feb 22, 2006 13:54

This looks interesting how much is it and do I need to get a ticket in advance

by Query 2 Wed Feb 22, 2006 13:59

To echo mike it would also be good know what groups/campaigns will be present

by chekov - wsm Wed Feb 22, 2006 14:06

Entrance to the bookfair and all the meetings and films is free, although donations will of course be gratefully accepted. We are hoping that the fundraisers on the Friday and Saturday night should allow us to recuperate the costs.

The full programme is now finalised and will be posted up here today or tomorrow.

by Alan MacSimoin - WSM Wed Feb 22, 2006 15:19 wsm_ireland at yahoo dot com P.O. Box 1528, Dublin 8

After two decades of no-strike 'social partnership' deals, are the unions dead? Is there any point in joining a union? Is something new needed?

One of the Polish workers sacked for resisting speed-ups in Tesco and two anarchist trade union activists will give their views, followed by discussion.

This event will be held from 1.00 - 2.00pm in the Red Room

by James Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:41

As part of the anarchist bookfair, the WSM will be hosting a discussion on the major radical tradition in Ireland: Republicanism. Tommy McKearney the editor of Fouthwrite magazine and a long time activist in the republican movement and Andrew Flood from the WSM will lead off a discussion which aims to explore the attraction of republican politics and its relevance for revolutionary social change.

The onward march of Sinn Fein towards constitutional political power has forced a rethink in republican circles and from a libertarian standpoint a recent editorial in Fourthwrite makes interesting reading:

"For those who still believe in the radical and indeed revolutionary potential within Irish republicanism, the progress of New Sinn Fein poses a real challenge. The challenge is not, as some believe, to reorganise the old machine that once was the Provisionals but to reinvest the philosophy with an appropriate dynamic. Political movements are built from the social, economic and political needs of people and radical Irish republicanism must never lose sight of this fact.

Moreover, since the doctrine was first introduced in the late 18th century, the progressive element within republicanism has always recognised that a sine qua non of the struggle is a commitment to democracy and adherence to the principle that the people is sovereign. There is no room for those who ape the worst aspects of absolutist monarchy and decide that they are able to decide unilaterally what is in the best interests of a people. Legitimate power comes, to paraphrase Tom Payne, only from the people and those who usurp this right are guilty of, at best holding the people in contempt and at worst of attempting dictatorship.

Regrouping around any standard other than that of democratic socialism is futile, and attempting to build with those not imbued with this ethos will lead to failure. It is time to consider a new departure but it has to be one that understands the requirements and how to go about attaining them. This can only be done in the full light of day and with the approval of the people we wish to work for. Conspiracies and conspirators must be seen for the unrepublican element that they are and then left strictly alone."

Andrew Flood is currently researching a pamphlet on popular struggle in the period 1905-1923. He has also written about the 1798 rising and the development of the classical anarchist movement as a reaction to the tendency of 19th century European radicals to focus on the establishment of a republican state as a solution to both democratic shortcomings and economic exploitation.

The discussion is scheduled for 4.30pm on Saturday 4th March in St. Nicholas of Myra Hall, Christchurch, Dublin 8.

Fourthwrite Website: http://www.fourthwrite.ie/ex.htm
Workers Solidarity Website: http://www.struggle.ws/wsm
International Anarchist Website: http://www.anarkismo.net
Gregor Kerr on the early peace process: http://struggle.ws/rbr/ceasrbr2.html
Article on 1798 Rebellion: http://struggle.ws/andrew/1798.html

by Curious Fri Feb 24, 2006 13:04

The poster has the dates but what time is the fair on from and till on both days?

by sovietpop - wsm Fri Feb 24, 2006 15:02

It is on from 8.30 until late on Friday (no books - videos and music)
and 12.00-6.00 on Sat (books, meeting, workshops)
followed by food and music until the early hours

more details on this page http://anarchistbookfair2006.blogspot.com/

by Curiousity sated Fri Feb 24, 2006 15:40

Thanks for the info.

by Organised Ideas - human race Mon Feb 27, 2006 13:47

From Punk to Funk to Dance with everything in between Featuring Djs From Red Ink , Dj Krossphader plus lots more .

Come early ...

Donations welcomed....

by Soundmigration Mon Feb 27, 2006 22:06

On Saturday the 5th of March there will be a series of workshops designed to inform, educate and involve. Across a variety of issues, topics and areas where non heirachical and autonomous practices have been crucial in helping create and sustain positive change, the workshops will create a different forum than meetings, with a more practical and participatory feel. Please note that some may have limited numbers so enable effective participation

These workshop include

Popular Education
This workshop introduces the ideas and methods of popular education, skill shares ideas for giving
workshops and discusses how we can use radical education within social movements and local campaigns. We hope to include
- Mapping popular education globally
- Popular education in action- methods in the madness
- Skill sharing exchange. Dealing with difficult
topics and keeping workshops interesting.

We hope to make this workshop an opportunity to learn from and share practical experiences. If you have any idea’s, do’s or donts for workshops, games or activities please feel free to come along and share them.

www.trapese.org

BODY is a diverse group of young pro-choice activists that are campaigning for safe and legal abortion services in Ireland lauched today. BODY stands for bold open decisive youth. This workshop looks at many of the issues around abortion, with a fresh and radical perspective, in an inclusive environment.
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/73435

Saving Iceland and Resisting Corporate greed. Global campaigns of direct action
This workshop is the first of a series of European workshops to highlight the high levels of local and international resistance to the massive degradation of livelihood and natural landscape for the benefit of private corporations. The workshop aims to look at strategies of active resistance from those involved in this ongoing and growing campaign.

Savingiceland.org http://www.savingiceland.org/files/actup_civildisobedie...e.pdf

Rossport Solidarity Camp. This will be a practical based workshop, describing the role of the solidarity camp, set up in June 2005, within the shell to sea campaign. It will include advise to all those who would like to get involved or help out in any way, to the upkeep of the camp. All are welcome, you don't need to be an "expert", everyone can take part in this, most people who have been on the camp have had as their previous sum total of camping experience the occasional trip to the likes of Witness. Many also have had no previous experience of campaigning.
www.struggle.ws/rsc

Anti War Organising.
This workshop will focus on the somewhat disparate and quite limited state of anti war activity currently in Ireland. The fact that a handful of individuals are doing a hell of a lot to highlight the continued use of Shannon by the US in there continued illegal occupation of iraq. It aims to look forward to helping create a sustainable hub of active resistance, learming from past endevours and honestly exploring nodes of cooperation, increasing meaningful public participation in anti war activity.

So if any of these workshops tickle your fancy please come along and take part. Between these, other meetings and discussion, all day film screening and many diverse stalls and info points were sure that there is something you will enjoy.

Pro choices workshop

Antiwar organising

Come and get involved with Rossport Solidarity Camp

Poprlar education: making workshops and organising more balanced and effective

http://www.savingiceland.org/files/actup_civildisobedience.pdf

by Agent Smith Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:50

There is also a gig for the bookfair on Friday which was posted as a seperate event, see http://www.indymedia.ie/article/74531

This should be funny as its Folk and we are promised songs from a few of the anarchists as well as proper entertainment

by Anthony G Thu Mar 02, 2006 00:23

So the WSM are now publishing posters advocating that one votes. Is this the first sign of a move towards electoralism? Let me guess. Parliament is just a platform (and not a vehicle for real social change) and that's why we call ourselves platfomists.
Been listening to too much Chomsky, methinks.
: -)

by Joe - WSM Thu Mar 02, 2006 11:33

Have to agree Anthony G that was a bit of an odd poster to use - but our position hasn't changed. I'd guess 'soundmigration' was just googling for images and not paying enough attention to the slogans attached!

by sovietpop Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:32

Lets go to the Movies!

12:15pm to 1:15pm:
Video Editing Workshop
(Learn some basic editing skills Brought To you by Revolt Video)

Open To All

Followed by.

1:30pm to 3:30pm: Revolt Activist Cinema
(A selection of films from Irish Activists including material from Direct Action Against Apathy
(www.geocities.com/directactionagainstapathy/home.htm)

Plus lots more check www.revoltvideo.blogspot.com for more details .

Then:

3:30pm to 6pm (Two Feature length documentaries)

SALT OF THE EARTH (1954) Based on an actual strike against the Empire
Zinc Mine in New Mexico, the film deals with the prejudice against
the Mexican-American workers, who struck to win equal pay with Anglo
workers in other mines and to be treated with dignity by the bosses.
The film is an early treatment of feminism, the wives of the miners
play a pivotal role in the strike against their husbands' wishes.
This film was written, directed and produced by members of the
original "Hollywood Ten," who were blacklisted during the McCarthy
witch hunt against the left.
(Runtime: 94 minutes)

THE FLICKERING FLAME (1996)
Directed by Ken Loach. The film documents the Liverpool dockers' strike, where many workers lost their jobs for refusing to go against their own beliefs by crossing a picket line. It manages to put across political points without being boring or heavy. On the contrary, issues such as the betrayal of the workers by their bureaucratic union bosses are forcefully shown. (runtime 55 minutes)

by Slim Fri Mar 03, 2006 12:49

Is this real Huge Conference of Radical ideas this weekend and why does the other one dare not speak its name

by John - Irish Socialist Network Fri Mar 03, 2006 14:23

The Irish Socialist Network is availing of the kind offer from the organisers to have a stall. If you are attending the event, be sure to drop over.

by Joker Fri Mar 03, 2006 16:58

The ISN are marxist so maybe this anarchist boofair should be subtitled 'Marxism 2006'

by anarcho Fri Mar 03, 2006 17:15

The ISN are indeed Marxists but they are not Leninists. Many anarchists would have an economic analysis that is close to Marxism and indeed some people who call themselves "Libertarian Marxists" would have politics that are pretty much indistinguishable from some people who call themselves "anarchists".

The big difference between Marxists and anarchists comes down to the state and authority. Anarchists, as a rule, believe that positive social change must come from the bottom up and any attempt to create a revolutionary state would descend quickly into a dictatorship. Although Marx himself tended to act in a very authoritarian way politically (vis a vis the first international) his writings were often ambiguous or vague about it (cf the paris commune). Hence some people can call themselves marxists and still adopt an anti-authoritarian attitude. Personally I think that this is somewhat of a fudge and that to call oneself after a nineteenth century theorist is to invite creeping dogmatism, but when it comes down to it, it is the content of the politics that are important rather than the labels.

The ISN for their part have seem to contain a fairly wide range of views with respect to the state, by no means all libertarian, but by no means all authoritarian. Hence, it makes sense for anarchists to work with them and to engage in dialogue with them with the hope of influencing their thinking and encouraging their anti-authoritarian tendencies. On the other hand bolshevism / Leninism is an ultra-authoritarian tendency which places central control on a pedestal and is utterly inimical to anarchism. Most of the members of the ISN have formerly been involved in so-called democratic centralist organisations and they have all rejected this form of organisation, which shows their willingness to learn from experience and that they are open-minded. It would be pointlessly sectarian for anarchists to cut themselves off from such tendencies just because they felt that they were impure and imperfect. After all, they are closer to anarchism than almost all other non-anarchist political groups in Ireland and they have moved closer to anti-authoritarian ideas over time. Finally, anarchism is a growing movement, full of self-confidence in its ideas and practice and has nothing to fear from engaging in real dialogue with other tendencies which do not share all of its analysis.

by hs Fri Mar 03, 2006 19:25

between anarchists and other forms of socialism is anarchists unconditional extra parlimentarism, which in my own humble opinion is a mistake in the bigger picture.(before the debate begins, i understand the reasoning but i disagree) The bottom up bit is a bit of a slogan and I don't think irish anarchists have been tested on that yet. (which isn't to say you would fail )but after all lots of left parties (especially one very local one) have used that slogan for years, But i'll look forward to debating all this and more at the bookfair.