The newly launched MFA in Creative Writing is only the latest addition to a thriving literary community that’s existed since the University’s earliest years. As a liberal arts university, AUP is made up of talented creatives who bring their skills across writing, arts and photography to campus through both faculty and student-led publications.

In all, our community produces more than 12 magazines, journals and creative works, ranging from the journalistic —Peacock Media— to the academic —The Tocqueville Review— to the activist —Roaches. Each of these works is a vital means for showcasing the range of voices at AUP. “We’re very proud of the work we do,” said Jacob Shropshire, Managing Editor of Peacock Media, as he reflected on the organization’s long history of giving students a voice of their own on campus. “Combining collaborative and authentic student-led journalism with our focus on creativity and innovation in the media space, Peacock is a perfect reflection of where these values intersect, showcasing the best that the student body has to offer in the realm of storytelling through compelling visual and written mediums.”

There are few cities better suited to artists than Paris, with its own rich history of creativity that continues to this day and which offers a welcome collaboration space for AUP students. “Our publication serves to create a network of young and amateur artists in this beautiful city,” said Emily Rose Nestler, Editor-in-Chief of DÉPAYSANTS. “Over the past few years on the Dépaysants board I have been exposed to endless artistic inspiration as I’ve communicated with artists from all over the city, coming from various backgrounds, and working in various mediums.”

As with many clubs, some publications are born from conversations that started in the classroom. Roaches, a student publication that is part of the Psychology, Gender, and Health department, focuses on academic and creative themes of race, gender, postcolonial and queer theory. “Roaches is a militant feminist ‘zine,” explains Editor-in-Chief Arianna Williams, “that functions to amplify marginalized voices and take a stance that is actively critical and positioned on the margins. We are a home for art—visual or spoken, as well as writing—essays and poems, that hold space for experiences that are often invisibilized and silenced.”

Online publication Hibou Magazine, is another space for students to critically explore issues of social justice, history and political change. “We encourage students of all backgrounds to publish critical ideas, investigate social issues, or explore academic themes,” says current Editor-in-Chief, Emily Gonzalez. “This semester, we are working on a Special Issue focusing on Law. We are collaborating with students from various majors with a passion for legal studies, and our Issue will be posted on our website on March 31st!”

These publications are part of a rich legacy that includes AUP’s oldest publication Paris/Atlantic that has been operating for over 40 years. This annual literary and creative arts journal has been student-led since its founding in the early 1980s and publishes the work of students, faculty, staff and friends of the university. The Paris/Atlantic editorial board work to recognize and celebrate the artistic work produced by all members of AUP, while also embracing the work of exterior upcoming artists.

You can learn more about all the publications available on campus and find out how to get involved by visiting graduate.aup.edu/writing-and-publications.