Featured image: aAh!

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In each print issue, aAh! Magazine explores one word which runs as its theme. Next up is The FRESHERS Issue 24/25 and our “Authentically Manchester” theme.

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aAh! Magazine invites all Manchester Met students interested in journalism, writing, design, illustration and photography to pitch ideas to be considered for print publication for the upcoming issue: The FRESHERS Issue 24/25.

This mini-issue will paint a picture of Manchester and serve as a guide for new and returning students on how to survive and thrive in the city – as well as everyone in between. It will feature everything from budget-friendly food spots, to the best music groups and events to look out for, to the city’s hidden gems.

The issue will share what’s happening in the city’s lively arts community, and how to get involved. It will spotlight the voice of our multicultural student body and share some honest advice, bold opinions, and diverse experiences of students in Manchester. Expect guides on things to do in the city and the best places to work and play, helping students get the most out of their uni experience.

We are looking for feature articles, listicles, profiles, Q&As, reviews, and opinion pieces, along with visual artwork and photography, that respond with a fresh, critical, and creative approach to the theme following themes: “FRESHERS“, “Authenticity” or “Authentically Manchester“. We are interested in innovative, thought-provoking, unique perspectives to continue our aim of opening conversation and breaking convention.

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Writers – Interested in getting involved?

Do you have an idea for a feature, interview, profile, opinion, listicle, how-to, or Q&A? To express an interest in writing for the magazine and receive our latest Editor’s Picks Briefs, email aAh.Editor@gmail.com using the subject line ‘FRESHERS’.

You can also explore our themed prompts below for some inspiration and ideas on how you can contribute to the upcoming issue. We are particularly interested in Opinion pieces and Creative Writing exploring the themes of “Authenticity” and “Authentically Manchester“.

Get in touch to discuss your ideas via email at aAh.Editor@gmail.com or attend a team meeting.

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Arts/Culture: News and reviews, venue spotlights, exhibitions, theatre and film

Fashion: Best places to shop, affordable vintage fashion brands, charity shops, clothing exchanges, fashion events, student fashion and what student’s are wearing on campus

International: Navigating life as an international student, perspectives on studying and living in Manchester, world food and recipes

Lifestyle: Affordable and healthy recipes, foodie guides, cheap ways to exercise, mental wellbeing support, tips for freshers, green spaces/cold water spots to explore

Literature: Best places to read, book clubs, book communities in Manchester, literature events 

Community/Experience: Innovative projects, volunteering, art collectives, friendships, relationships, personal experiences

Music: Best new music and emerging artists, our favourite student venues, underground spots, club night spotlight

Opinion: Share your views on trending topics that matter. Explore themes connected to “Authenticity” and “Authentically Manchester”. Are we doing enough to protect the city’s identity? Why is it so difficult to be yourself? Why it’s time to ditch fast fashion and trends for authentic style. The reality of student life

Advice: Support services, homesickness, student accommodation, mental wellbeing.

Creative writing: Poetry, short stories, flash fiction themed around “Authenticity” and “Authentically Manchester”

How to submit: Pitch your ideas via email to aAh.Editor@gmail.com to be considered for publication.

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Featured Artists: Call for submissions – Authentically Manchester

Artists, illustrators and photographers: aAh! welcomes student artists to be involved in the upcoming print issue: The FRESHERS Issue 24/25. Our new print issue will feature a spotlight on a visual artist – Fine artists of all practices welcome, illustrators, photographers and graphic designers. Submit up to ten images, including a brief artist bio and explanation of how your work relates to the following themes: “FRESHERS”, “AUTHENTICALLY MANCHESTER” or “AUTHENTICITY”.

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Eligibility 

All Manchester Met students and alumni are invited to contribute to aAh! Magazine. Artists and designers are welcome to submit works in any medium: painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, textile, installation, any mixed media, digital, performance and film (jpg still image and a link to video) etc. Submit your visual work in a digital format in the highest possible resolution you have available – not below 300 dpi.

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Visual Guidelines

We will accept work and visuals in JPEG, PNG or TIFF formats. Artwork must be at least 300 dpi or more. All artwork must be at least 148 x 210 mm to fit in the A5 size magazine, and should fit comfortably on a page of this aspect ratio.

Our Featured Artists work will be published in The FRESHERS Issue 24/25 alongside a range of features, interviews, profiles, previews, opinion and more.

Deadline: Submit your work to be considered for publication by Friday 9th August, 2024. Email aAh.Editor@gmail.com

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Register your interest to join The FRESHERS Issue 24/25 Print Editorial and Design team

We’re looking for volunteer writers, editors, graphic designs, illustrators, photographers and social media creators to join the aAh! Magazine team this summer. Register your interest to join the core team, receive briefs and be part of our new issue. Email the team on aAh.Editor@gmail.com to get involved and attend our weekly team meeting.

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About aAh!

aAh! Is a well-established online and print arts and culture magazine, run by student volunteers with a passion for journalism and a love for Manchester. It is an honest, engaging, and curious publication; a trusted source for relevant and current news, views, creative work, and trends.

aAh! is a growing publication, and is looking for journalists, editors, graphic designers, illustrators, filmmakers, photographers, and social media marketers on an ongoing basis to help make aAh! An informed, inspiring, witty, and opinionated collective and student voices and talents that make our city brilliant.

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Join the aAh! Magazine MS Teams Group ‘General Channel’ to stay in the loop and follow @aAh_mag for upcoming opportunities.