First steps taken to the launch of an International Magazine Centre in Scotland
Once established, the International Magazine Centre will act as a hub for international magazine publishers and their affiliated industries of advertising, media, design, journalism, photography, illustration, data, marketing, events and more.
Offices dedicated to publishers and freelancers, incubator space for new publishers and graduates, hot desking and dedicated space for international publishers branching into the UK, will all be at the heart of the Centre.
Not only publisher-facing, the team at the International Magazine Centre plan to connect with consumers to show them the passion, talent and dedication of the industry. A diverse and exciting magazine shop alongside a café and regular exhibitions from publishers across the globe, will be accompanied by events for and from publishers.
Founder and director, Nikki Simpson, said: “There is a magazine for everyone and when you find it, it feels like the editor is writing directly to you, like the content has been crafted for you alone. That’s a powerful and captivating feeling that keeps readers engaged and coming back for more – we want to show people the incredible array on offer and help them find that magazine for them.”
Nikki Simpson
The Centre will play an important role in magazine research, with partnerships already established with Edinburgh Napier and Glasgow Universities. “Magazines are an incredible reflection of day-to-day society, and there’s a lot we can learn from them. Research into, for example, ‘Magazines’ reflection and influence on body image in the 20th century’ could be a fascinating study on how far we’ve come” said Nikki.
With local backing from publishers and international support from trade associations including FIPP and the Global Editors Network, the International Magazine Centre looks likely to grow quickly and to every corner of the globe. But what’s next for the Centre?
“We’re a not-for-profit organisation so funding is a priority for the Centre – if you’re able to pledge you’ll be a part of building an incredible support system for the industry. We’re focusing on ways to connect internationally through our licensing hub, monthly events and professional development all aimed at publishers. We’re planning pop-up International Magazine Centres at international centres of cultural interest and, of course, we’re on the look-out for suitable venues in Scotland for the Centre itself” says Nikki.
You can support the International Magazine Centre by becoming a Patron, offering a space, spreading the word or getting involved – find out more at internationalmagazinecentre.com/support.
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