The iconic Australian literary journal, Meanjin, is getting a second life in its birthplace, Queensland. After a 90-year journey, the journal is returning to its Indigenous roots, thanks to a strategic move by Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Meanjin, founded in Brisbane in 1940, moved to Melbourne in 1945, where it faced a sudden end in September. The journal's revival is a testament to its enduring impact on Australian literary and intellectual culture. QUT's acquisition is a significant step towards preserving its legacy and maintaining its high standards.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Margaret Sheil emphasized the journal's role in shaping Australian culture, providing a platform for critical discussion, and nurturing emerging writers and publishers. The new ownership agreement ensures editorial independence and a dedicated editorial board, safeguarding the journal's integrity.
The search for a new editor is underway, with a competitive nationwide recruitment process. This move aims to continue Meanjin's tradition of excellence and innovation.
The journal's revival comes with a question mark over copyright. The Guardian Australia is seeking clarification on the ownership of the journal's archives and the associated royalties, which have been a steady source of income since 2008. This issue has sparked debate and raised concerns about the journal's future financial sustainability.
The decision to close Meanjin in 2024 faced criticism as cultural vandalism. MUP's chair, Prof. Warren Bebbington, defended the move as a financial necessity, citing staff redundancies. However, the journal's demise was also linked to a controversial essay by Max Kaiser, leading to speculation about external influences.
Meanjin's former editor, Esther Anatolis, was unaware of the ownership transfer, highlighting the journal's internal challenges. The future of the First Nations advisory panel, a key aspect of the journal's identity, remains uncertain.
Jeanine Leane, Meanjin's former poetry editor, expressed disappointment over the journal's closure, especially its focus on First Nations writing. The literary community's reaction was strong, with Living Treasure Barry Jones and author Thomas Keneally calling it a loss for Australian writers. Gareth Evans, a former Labor minister, personally criticized the decision, describing it as bone-headed.
Meanjin's new home at QUT's School of Creative Arts promises to enhance the creative writing program, offering a renewed platform for literary excellence and cultural impact.
