A cornerstone of the Australian literary community

Since 2003, Griffith Review, founded and developed by Griffith University, has been the leading quarterly literary magazine in Australia, widely recognised for its uncanny ability to anticipate emerging trends and drive the national conversation. According to author and journalist Benjamin Law, its consistent quality and editorial integrity make it “one of the most important cornerstones of the Australian literary community.”

“Starting a publication like this was an unusual activity for a university, but the impact of Griffith Review has repaid the investment many times over by enriching public life and providing opportunities for more than a thousand authors,” says Professor Julianne Schultz, founding editor and publisher of the publication.

Over the years, the publication has tackled issues such as Australian national identity, populism, power, fundamentalism, and climate change, providing fresh insights from emerging and established Australian and international writers, including Al Gore, Tim Flannery, Stan Grant, Benjamin Law, Melissa Lucashenko, Nick Earls, Yassmin Adbel-Magied, and Holly Ringland.

Dr Ashley Hay, who took on the role of Griffith Review editor in 2018, believes a publication committed to high quality, long form writing is needed today more than ever.

“As the media and publishing world changes, we need the stories, we need the background that comes from extended exploration of major issues, writers need the opportunity to publish, and readers to be introduced to new writers and ideas,” she said.

As well as its noted role opening up debate and starting conversations about the biggest issues facing Australia, the publication is renowned for fostering new and emerging writers. Through fellowships, competitions and residencies, Griffith Review allows writers to hone their craft and showcase their work to a national audience, with often remarkable results.

“Griffith Review changed my life,” says contributor and advisory board member Melissa Lucashenko, who won a Walkley Award in 2014 for her Griffith Review piece ‘Sinking below sight’.

Author and contributor Holly Ringland echoes Melissa’s sentiment.

“For me personally, the validation that came, the personal validation that came, from having a piece accepted in Griffith Review, it cut through a lot of the self-doubt and the fear that I had as a writer,” she said.

Since Holly’s piece ‘Might be rainbows’ was published in Griffith Review, she has published her debut novel, ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’. There are now plans to develop her novel into a TV series.

Beyond its role supporting writers, Griffith Review reflects Griffith University’s commitment to sharing knowledge across traditional boundaries and promoting civic dialogue and participation. Journalist and author Stan Grant, who recently joined Griffith as Professor of Global Affairs, believes a publication such as Griffith Review is the antidote to the conflict-based content in mainstream media, which he says shuts down debate and discussion.

“You can’t help but open up a discussion with something like the Griffith Review, because you’re asking people to do more than give you one line, you’re asking them for more than a slogan,” he said.