Calling all environment and writing enthusiasts! The Irish Writers’ Centre has launched a brand-new magazine called Channel which will be dedicated to pieces of work related to nature and the environment. A formal event was hosted on 22 October 2019, the day of the magazine’s launch, at the Irish Writers Centre and featured readings from some of its first issue’s contributors.

Following the footsteps of the US-based Orion and UK-based Elementum, Channel is a platform for both established and emerging writers and poets to amplify their voices and opinions on important matters pertaining to the environment. Particularly, it publishes submissions that celebrate the intricate fabric that connects nature and humanity. Given the current global climate situation, the magazine is a highly relevant initiative and is yet another avenue of activism and advocacy.

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The magazine was founded by writer Cassia Gaden Gilmartin and poet Elizabeth Mur-tough and is the only operating Irish journal based on this theme. Its first issue has al-ready been well-received, with pieces from established writers based in Ireland and abroad like David Butler and Jan Carson. Rachel Doolin, a Cork-based artist, whose instal-lation forms the cover page of Issue 1, states that ‘Channel is a beautiful and thought provoking project that brings together a community of inspirational artists, writers and thinkers at a time when it is ever more important to communicate reverence for our nat-ural world.’

Channel has already received over 500 submissions for Issue 1. If you are keen on writing for this impactful publication – submissions for Issue 2 opened on November 1st.

 

Mallika Venkatramani – Arts & Lifestyle Editor