Maisonneuve magazine, a Montreal-based publication, has achieved a significant milestone with the release of its 100th issue. Editor-in-chief Aysha White reflects on the magazine’s enduring success and its commitment to independent journalism and the power of print.
Founded in 2002, Maisonneuve has spent over two decades publishing award-winning, not-for-profit quarterly issues focusing on arts, opinion, and ideas. The 100th issue delves into Canada’s shrinking public sector and potential solutions, featuring more long-form stories than usual.
White emphasizes the importance of long-form journalism in exploring the human impacts of societal issues, such as arts cuts in Nova Scotia. She believes that in a digital age, the combination of words and art in print offers a unique sensory experience that allows readers to immerse themselves in stories.
Maintaining a print experience comes with challenges, including competition for attention online. While Maisonneuve offers online content for subscribers, its print format aims to provide a premium and lasting reading experience. Publisher Jennifer Varkonyi acknowledges the struggle for discoverability and attracting new readers but emphasizes the value of public funding and subscriber support.
The magazine’s commitment extends to supporting emerging writers and nurturing talent within Montreal’s English-language community while maintaining a national scope. White and Varkonyi emphasize the importance of independent media support and preserving the power of print in a visually saturated world.
As Maisonneuve looks ahead, the team aims to continue producing quality content and hopes to remain a fixture in the independent media landscape for years to come.
