Zero Freepress Turns 20: Founder Andrea Amichetti Interview

Andrea Amichetti, founder of Zero, Italy's first freepress magazine, recounts its 20-year history ahead of a 20-hour celebration on January 28, 2017, at Macao in Milan. Launched in 1996, Zero started as a free guide to Milan's nightlife and culture, inspired by Berlin and Swiss publications. Initially funded by illegally appropriating brands for covers, it later sold around 500 branded covers, starting with Centrale del Latte di Milano in 1997, followed by TDK, Duracell, MTV, Coca-Cola, and even the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) for its 8 per mille campaign. Zero evolved into experimental paper objects, including magnetic newspapers and furniture-building issues, and patented technical innovations like the 'magnet book.' The magazine also spawned Cujo, an annual artist's guide and exhibition series distributed by hand, with works held by the Tate and other museums. Over 1,200 people have worked at Zero. The online archive is available at zero.eu.