Era Journal: Editor-in-Chief

I am nominating myself for the role of Co-Editor-in-Chief of Era Journal because I deeply care about the platform. Since joining in my first year at UCL, I have been an active member of the society, attending every event and contributing to the print issues. I am passionate about contemporary art and always have my finger on the pulse of London’s cultural scene. Building on the valuable press relationships established by recent committees,  I would seek out the best opportunities for our contributors to help their work gain recognition beyond the university. While my primary interests lie within art and design, one of the many things that make Era so special is the breadth of its output. Conceptualising print issue themes that encourage interdisciplinary dialogue is therefore a key priority of mine. I have closely followed the direction in which previous editorial teams have taken the publication. With its distinctive voice and visual style, Era has gone beyond being just a student-run magazine—the journal is ambitious, standing on its own within the wider London cultural sphere. There are big shoes to fill, but I would strive my best to continue to improve Era Journal and expand its reach. 

Era Journal as it stands holds some of the most interesting writing at UCL - it is rare, idiosyncratic, deeply creative and, while far-reaching and varied, is held firm at the centre with a true fascination with arts and culture which I feel an affinity with. I am standing for the position of Editor-In-Chief because for me, getting to be in the position to continue to bring together writing in this singular way, to contribute and imbue the journal with my own vision is in line with this affinity. I have both edited and written for Era over the past two years at UCL,  and have found meeting the community of people who make up the patchwork of unique, off-centre and artful writing that Era Journal showcases to be incredibly rewarding. It has also provided me with experience that I know will be constructive and foundational in running the magazine next year. While being Editor-in-Chief will allow me to continue to be immersed in literary writing and criticism, crucially through working with other members of the society and their writing, I am standing also because I want to get out of my own niche, to go beyond writing and editing Literature and become involved with the brilliant storytelling happening around other areas in the Journal, such as Art, Music and Theatre. Era is an indelible lens by which contemporary arts and culture become tangible, able to be explored; I am standing for EIC as I know I have the experience and discernment needed to sustain and evolve the journal.