Words by Libby Smith
"The free arts mag that’s serving grunt for Bristol creatives feeling stuck in hospo, retail and admin"
-From the Grunt Instagram bio
A week ago, while searching Headfirst for future events to cover, I stumbled upon The Grunt Mag. In just this short time, I've become entirely fascinated by the realm of GRUNT.
Flicking through Issue 1, I found myself in awe of the raw emotion and expression that spilled out from within it's pages, and heavily relating to dreams of being an artist, but being tied down to a dull, full time job.
For the last five years, I've been employed full-time in the housekeeping industry, with the persistent urge to create forever bouncing around in my brain. I write while vacuuming and edit photos while dusting. Even this article has been written in the staff kitchen between the communal microwave and coffee machine, and on the weekends when I'm not cleaning, I'm usually attending raves with my camera in hand. It is a way of life that I have partly accepted, yet I'm always aiming for that 'big break' you so often hear about. Many people relate to the struggle of trying to bare your soul to the world balanced between needing to pay your rent, a theme that is beautifully expressed in Grunt Issue 1.
The photography, the poetry, the articles and the graphics delicately strewn across each page is something I can only describe as inspiring. I found myself hanging on to each word with a smile across my face. This publication should be seen by every creative in our city - and now's your chance.
Hot off the press, issue 2 is going to be available in all its splendor next week, as the Grunt crew celebrate their new release at 395 - the hub for local creatives.
Providing 4 hours of garage, jungle, breakbeat, and more, where else would you rather be than dancing and reading Grunt? Not only this, but it will be the perfect space to let your creative side radiate, meet like-minded people, and get networking.
So, if you love supporting grassroots venues, listening to jungle, indulging in zines, and being surrounded by wonderful artists, get down to 395 next Thursday!
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