The latest issue of York University’s nationally recognized, student-run literary magazine, Existere, features new fiction, non-fiction, art and poetry from a diverse array of Canadian literature’s rising stars. Available for purchase now at the York University Bookstore, Existere, vol. 43 includes work by Francesca Ekwuyasi, who was awarded the Writers’ Trust Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ2S+ Emerging Writers in 2022; acclaimed poet Ellen Chang-Richardson; Saeed Teebi, a finalist for the 2022 Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize; and Fiddlehead Poetry Book Prize winner Fawn Parker. The issue’s cover was created by Kate Sinclair, lead designer at Penguin Random House Canada.
While previous issues of Existere relied on open calls for international writers, the latest issue presents a curated mix of local and national contributors. The new approach is the result of intentional editorial direction and decision-making by new faculty advisors – Matthew Bucemi and Christopher Morris, both assistant professors in the Writing Department – and new student editors currently enrolled in the Writing Department.
Bucemi, whose professional experience in publishing includes serving as a founding managing editor for Sutherland House, wanted to lead the magazine in this different direction. Having taken on the role of faculty advisor in Summer 2023, he leveraged his experience and connections to implement a new approach that prioritized experiential education and community engagement.
With Bucemi’s guidance, students reimagined the magazine’s mandate to emphasize dynamic art that reflects Canada’s equally dynamic communities. Students actively identified local and national artists and directly solicited submissions that fit the new mandate.
Morris, a published poet and former technical writer, also lent expertise to Existere’s student editors who implemented the magazine’s reimagined vision. “With Dr. Bucemi’s insights from his time as an editor and with student leaders who truly love art, literature and collaboration, Existere has quickly become a unique professional development opportunity for York students, as shown by the high quality of this latest issue,” said Morris.
Earlier this summer, the magazine’s student leadership team hosted a launch party on York U’s Keele Campus to celebrate the release of the new issue. Held at Founders Assembly Hall, more than 50 guests were in attendance to hear readings from contributors and to help the magazine raise over $400 for future publications.
Reflecting on their achievement, the student leadership team expressed gratitude and pride. “We know how difficult it can be to navigate school and Existere,” they said, “especially while we found our footing with the revamp… We truly feel we’ve made something amazing this year.”
Existere was founded and first published at Vanier College in 1978. The journal is currently stewarded by York University’s Writing Department as a venue to showcase emerging and established Canadian talent – and as a place for York University students to gain valuable, hands-on, pre-professional experience in editing and publication production.
To support the magazine, visit existere.info.yorku.ca.