Earlier this year, Overland announced that we were looking for a new editor, the first time in the magazine’s 65-year history that the position was openly advertised. We received many impressive applications, outlining varied and original visions for the future of the magazine, and which all shared a passion for the importance of left-wing literary discourse.

After an extensive application and interview process, Overland is thrilled to announce the appointment of our two new co-editors, Evelyn Araluen Corr and Jonathan Dunk, who will begin their editorship in late 2019.

Evelyn Araluen Corr is an award-winning poet, writer, educator and researcher who has been working with Indigenous literatures at the University of Sydney. Born, raised, and writing in Dharug country, she is a Bundjalung descendant. Jonathan Dunk teaches literature and critical theory at the University of Sydney, where he was the inaugural Kenneth Reed Postgraduate Scholar. His scholarship, fiction and poetry have been published widely.

It’s a tremendously exciting appointment, says outgoing editor Jacinda Woodhead. ‘Evelyn and Jonathan are dynamic writer-editors who are super smart and incredibly passionate about all forms of literature, about culture and collaboration, and about the kind of work that is fundamental to the spirit of Overland. I’ve been reading their respective writings for some time, and have been working with Evelyn in particular for a number of years now, and it is wonderful to see their hard work and talent being recognised in this way.’

Evelyn is honoured, she says, to be given the opportunity ‘to work for a journal that I’ve loved, read and admired for years. Knowing first-hand Overland’s generosity and dedication to emerging writers of colour and culture, I’m proud to take a role in continuing this legacy.’

‘It’s a thrilling and challenging opportunity to become a larger part of Australia’s most radical journal,’ says Jonathan. ‘I keenly anticipate working with Overland’s brilliant writers and staff, not to mention my co-editor, to continue its vital role.’

The work of these editors to date clearly demonstrates their active engagement in the literary space, as well as their care and commitment for supporting writers, observes Overland’s Rachael McGuirk, who represented staff during the appointment process. ‘When asked what qualities they valued most in editors, their responses included “intellectual generosity”, “empathy” and “courage” – this combination of humility and fire will make for two brilliant co-editors to lead Overland into its future.’

Overland chair Dr Bronwyn Cran agrees, noting that this is an exciting time of transition. ‘The magazine had had co-editors previously, and a non-hierarchical model works exceedingly well for a collective cultural organisation looking to take important ideas to new audiences.’

What’s ahead for the magazine for the immediate future? The co-editors are keen to foster a space for the kinds of political critique seldom encouraged by the neoliberal university, and to honour Overland’s project of radical thought and imagination. ‘We hope to bring the same dedication and integrity to this position demonstrated by the outgoing editor,’ Evelyn says.

Image: Diane Helentjaris / Unsplash