From Arts in Guelph - date, 2007

by Anna Contini

Carousel Magazine has been around since 1983, but there are still many locals who are not familiar with this exceptional publication. Carousel is a "hybrid literary and arts magazine" affiliated with the University of Guelph. Its mandate is to represent both new and established artists and writers with a specific focus on positioning Canadian talent within an international context. Carousel has been steadily increasing its circulation across Canada and the U.S. and was recently recognized with an Honourable Mention for Best Art Direction for an Entire Issue by The National Magazine Awards Foundation for the second consecutive year. Now that's something that locals should know about - in addition to the fact that the publication has launched a postcard competition.

At the helm is Mark Laliberte who has been Managing Editor of Carousel for the past three years. The magazine is funded through the Central Students Association at the University of Guelph, and is edited by a volunteer team made up primarily of students. "This is an invaluable experience for students who become involved in all facets of the selection process. It is an opportunity to work with professional artists and writers from across Canada," says Laliberte. He points out that there is the added benefit of capitalizing on youths' interest in technology since the magazine is aggressively promoted on the internet.

Since it was first founded in 1983, Carousel has published 20 varied editions to date and has undergone a number of incarnations. Originally published annually, the magazine had a brief hiatus at the end of the 1990s. In 2001, a bold new generation came forth and revamped the former more traditional literary publication. Carousel underwent a visual facelift, aiming for a style that emphasized a merging of textural and visual content. In addition, the focus was on steadily increasing circulation. Currently, it is published twice annually in the Spring and Fall, and has a circulation of 1,200. In Guelph, Carousel can be purchased at The Bookshelf as well as the University of Guelph. On-line subscriptions are also available.

In any given issue, one is likely to find poems, short stories, interviews and reflections alongside a range of original art. Even comics have a place in this edgy magazine. There is a steady stream of submissions from amateurs and professionals from across Canada, and contributors are generally paid an honorarium. The magazine has up to 15 per cent international content and may be seen as "a place for creative cross-pollination between global and Canadian creators," says Laliberte.

Now Carousel is putting out a call for its Follow the Asterisk postcard competition. There are few limitations on this creative project. "The sky is the limit and we're hoping to inspire folks to get wild and crazy," says Laliberte. The postcard can feature any type of art, text, or a combination of the two. The only criteria are that it be a unique four-inch by six-inch design postmarked by April 15, 2007. The lucky first-prize winner will have the chance to piggy-back his/her postcard onto the Carousel distribution system across North America. In addition to the 1 500 copies printed for distribution, an extra 100 personal copies and $125 will be made available to the winner. For details visit www.carouselmagazine.ca/asterisk.html.

"Our hope is that the postcard competition will excite people and add a new facet to the publication," says Laliberte, adding that "ultimately, it's another way of increasing our profile." For a long time Carousel may have been one of Guelph's best kept secrets, but one has the distinct impression that this is about to change.

For more information about Carousel Magazine please visit www.carouselmagazine.ca.