Why is BZF doing so many swaps and partnerships this year?
- Dani Gray
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
The answer boils down to two crucial concepts: community and capacity.
The Need for Support
My life has taken some crazy turns in 2025. I find myself in a challenging situation where support is more necessary than ever. These changes have shifted my perspective on how to approach the fest in the future.
Organizing a festival is anything but simple. It involves creativity, meticulous planning, active community engagement and so much time. Simply put, this festival has always been a labor of love that was executed primarily by one person. In order to be able to continue this work, I have to find ways to make it sustainable for myself.
While my capacity was always stretched; having a full time job, being a working artist, and volunteering in my community, I have hit a wall - I can't do it all anymore. For me, rather that walk away, hosting swaps and drawing lines between other inclusive organizations that have similar values is not only a more manageable lift - its a necessity.
Building Tangible Community Spaces
A major need in our current environment is the establishment of free, supportive community spaces. We are all feeling the weight of greed-flation, we are all watching as our rights are diminished, we are all scared. We need spaces that allow individuals to engage, connect, and share experiences. We need tangible communities, rooted in the real world. The fest has always been uniquely positioned to nurture these bonds- and we need it now more than ever.
When I say I want to build community, I mean more than just a collection of screen names; I am referring to a network of individuals sharing resources, skills, and knowledge. BZF is dedicated to building these real communities for Bremerton and zinesters while America is in crisis. We need safe spaces where every participant feels appreciated and included.
The Power of Collaboration
At the core of my efforts this year lies collaboration. By forming partnerships with organizations that share the vision of BZF, we can not only keep the fest going in a time of strain, but we can also expand our reach and make a greater impact. Each partnership introduces unique strengths and perspectives that collectively offer individuals to expand their world view and find a place to belong - in real life.
BZF’s swaps and partnerships aim to do more than just ensure a successful event this year; they strive to create enduring impact. By building supportive spaces and encouraging collaboration, I want to establish pathways for the future, draw individuals into the IRL community, I want to encourage them to support their community long after each fest is over.
Embracing Change
As I navigate significant life changes, I have come to view change as a potential for growth. My focus on community and capacity this year directly responds to the challenges I am facing. It serves as a reminder that we do not have to confront obstacles by ourselves; we can rely on each other for support and inspiration.
By welcoming change and seeking assistance, I hope to develop a festival that truly reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of our community. A space that is open, safe, and free of purity tests. It's about going beyond just organizing an event; it is about fostering a culture of support and collaboration that empowers everyone to be involved.
BZF’s partnerships and swaps this year are driven by the genuine need for community and capacity. I am not only working to create a killer festival; I am cultivating a thriving community were as a group we are able weather the storms at our door step.

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