The iconic Australian literary magazine Meanjin is set to return to its roots in Queensland, 80 years after relocating to Melbourne. This revival follows a surprise closure announcement last year. The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has stepped in as the magazine’s new custodian, pledging to uphold its independence and standards while launching a nationwide search for a new editor. No specific date has been provided for the release of its next issue.
In September of the previous year, Melbourne University Press (MUP) revealed it would no longer publish the prestigious magazine, a mainstay in the literary world. Over the years, Meanjin has featured contributions from some of Australia’s most celebrated writers, including Helen Garner, Peter Carey, Michelle De Kretser, Alexis Wright, and David Malouf.
Historical Context and Significance
The name Meanjin is derived from the Indigenous word for Brisbane, where the magazine was originally founded in 1940. Its mission was to foster a “healthy climate of opinion and literary activity.” The publication moved to the University of Melbourne in 1945 and became part of Melbourne University Publishing in 2008.
The decision to cease publication was announced by MUP chair Professor Warren Bebbington, who stated that the decision was made on financial grounds. Despite this, Meanjin’s legacy and influence in Australian literature remain undeniable.
QUT’s Vision for Meanjin
In a statement on Wednesday, Professor Bebbington noted that MUP had received various acquisition offers for Meanjin, but QUT’s understanding of the journal’s legacy stood out. “The board is delighted Meanjin will continue, and in the hands of a university so clearly alert to the nature of the custodianship MUP had fulfilled for it for so long,” he said.
The final issue of the quarterly magazine, under the editorial guidance of Esther Anatolitis and deputy Eli McLean, was published in December. The team was made redundant in September, having already completed the issue before the closure decision was finalized.
QUT has expressed its commitment to “thoughtfully re-establish the journal in Queensland and consider how to most effectively reinvigorate Meanjin, respecting the journal’s founding vision and literary legacy while enhancing its relevance and rebuilding its readership to ensure a viable future.”
Financial and Cultural Implications
Meanjin has historically relied on a combination of subscription income and funding from the University of Melbourne, Creative Australia, and the Copyright Agency. While the terms of the ownership transfer have not been disclosed, the fate of its archives remains a topic of interest.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil emphasized the magazine’s cultural significance, stating, “Since its foundation by Clem Christesen in Brisbane in 1940, Meanjin has been instrumental in shaping Australian literary and intellectual culture. It has provided a vital platform for critical discussion, a showcase of emerging writers, and a valuable training ground for leading Australian publishers and editors. We are honoured to be entrusted with the legacy of this cultural icon.”
Looking Forward
The transition of Meanjin to QUT marks a new chapter in its storied history. The university’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the magazine’s legacy offers hope for its continued influence in the literary world. As QUT embarks on this journey, the literary community eagerly anticipates how Meanjin will evolve and continue to contribute to Australia’s cultural landscape.
With a renewed focus on maintaining its foundational values and expanding its reach, Meanjin’s return to Queensland symbolizes not just a geographical shift, but a revitalization of its mission to foster literary excellence and critical discourse.
