Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief
鈥淭he Northwest Passage鈥� is Western鈥檚 student-run literary and art magazine right on campus, composed of submitted works from students, faculty and alumni of the school. Each magazine showcases various different creations, such as traditional art, digital art, photography, poetry, short stories, lyrics and other art forms.
Founded in 1941, 鈥淭he Northwest Passage鈥� has been supporting student artists ever since. The first issue of the 2024鈥�25 school year, being the Fall issue, is expected to be released Dec. 4, prior to winter break.
Recently appointed to the position, Editor-in-Chief Anna Gillock has been working diligently to promote and create 鈥淭he Northwest Passage鈥� for the 2024鈥�2025 school year. 鈥�(One of my priorities) not only as the (Editor-in-Chief) but as a student and an artist is to support the creativity of my peers in the most accessible way possible,鈥� said Gillock. 鈥淭his is all very new to me, but I feel confident in the support I am given by the staff here at (Western) and I hope that I can give myself enough breathing room to really put myself into this publication for the short time I am in charge of it.鈥�
On top of that, Gillock has been prioritizing accessibility and understanding this year with 鈥淭he Northwest Passage.鈥� 鈥淔or instance, I have ADHD, and knowing that many of my peers are the same way, I use my knowledge of graphic design to visually emphasize the most important bits of content in a way that I feel is easy to process,鈥� said Gillock. 鈥淲ith so much information being thrown at us as students, I want to try and provide content that is not overwhelming to look at. It鈥檚 a specific example, but that is just my personal mission as (Editor-in-Chief).鈥�
Submissions may be emailed to northwestpassage@wou.edu and no more than five pieces per person are published in a singular issue. It is asked that personal names are left off of the submissions so that the editorial board, which votes on which pieces appear in the magazine, remains unbiased. Pieces can be submitted with a title; if a title is not provided, they are regarded as “Untitled.” All written work must be less than 1,500 words and must be submitted either as a PDF or a document. The Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to alter submissions but will not publish any edited work without the creator鈥檚 permission.
Gillock placed a lot of importance in the art specifically as to why she claimed the position at 鈥淭he Northwest Passage.鈥� 鈥淚 have been writing and creating art since I was first able to hold a pencil,鈥� explained Gillock. 鈥淓ven before I was hired on to be the EIC, supporting my fellow artists has always been a passion of mine, and I am really grateful for this opportunity to do so.鈥�
Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu
