Another year of [s p a c e s ]

Posted by admin on Nov 26, 2010 in Arts & Culture | 0 comments

Five years ago, a literary journal for Trinity Western University was little more than a dream. Now on its fifth volume, [ s p a c e s ] has a generous endowment, has been certified by the national magazine distribution association, Magazines Canada, and has published over one hundred works of student written and visual art. Last years’ Volume IV also featured guest contributions by accomplished poets Connie Braun, Micah Towery, and Joe Weil.

Despite this quick success, the idea of a space for communal literary creativity has been long brewing. It began almost ten years ago, with a group of student literary activists who promoted, designed, and published their own journal. They dubbed it Libera, in a defiant vein similar to the former independent campus newspaper, the Underground, though it was paid for out of the pocket of English professor Lynn Szabo, whose love for student involvement in creative writing moved her to help the students get it off the ground.

Libera died out as soon as its main contributors graduated. It was not until 2006 that the threads of a literary journal were picked up again, this time by a group of inspired students from Communications and creative-writing classes. They raised funds through advertising and got support from the TWUSA coffer. The first volume came out in 2007, produced and published entirely by students. Two more volumes were published in the same fashion over the next two years.

In 2008, the journal got a major jumpstart. An interested donor stepped forward and endowed the journal to ensure its survival and growth; the endowment means better production—things like real binding instead of staples.

The endowment also nestled the journal squarely in the bosom of the English department. The editor-in-chief is now chosen by the department in their Literary Award in Creative Writing, which includes free tuition for an editorial directed study. An advisory board was formed that consists of Professor Szabo, Connie Braun, and local poet, Susan McCaslin.

Thus [ s p a c e s ] volume IV was one of the most successful years, with its beautiful, professional production, excellent work from guest contributors, and the continuing legacy of remarkably insightful student work.

But this success was also largely due to the hard work and creative vision of last years’ [ s p a c e s ] team. Through the effort of Volume IV editor-in-chief, Hannah Jenkins, the journal was accepted into Magazines Canada, significantly increasing the profile, audience, and distribution of the journal.

Despite the increased professionalism, [ s p a c e s ] remains true to its roots. It is a place for communal creative dialogue and reflection. It is a space constructed and maintained by and for the students. Our participation and ownership is key.

[ s p a c e s ] will exist only so long as there are writers and artists in our community who are active and inspired.

To celebrate the creativity in our community, the

[ s p a c e s ] volume V team is hosting a poetry and music night at the Water Shed Arts Café in Walnut Grove, Friday, November 26 at 8 pm. Come hear readings by students, past contributors, and poet Micah Towery, as well as musical acts from singer-songwriters of the Busted String Family and the TWU Music Guild.

For more information, see: www.twuspaces.com.