ISSAY!

“Issay” is an Amharic word (እሰይ) for which there is no direct English translation. It can be used positively, like “bravo!” or “good for you!”. But, Editor In Chief, Elsha Yeyesuswork explains, it can also be used in a less positive way, in a situation where justice has been served. “In the positive, it’s not just that something good has happened, but that the good thing has been earned. It’s hard to distill into a neat definition but regardless of the usage the word is always deployed with some real vim. We named the magazine ISSAY! because that kind of energy and forcefulness is something we’re striving towards through this publication.”

Elsha sees this as a space where artists can make bold and experimental work. “We work a lot with emerging artists and are prioritizing the works of traditionally marginalized voices. We want to offer artists a way to feel empowered through process instead of product. Especially, when M:ST’s roots have been in performance art, which is quite contained and site specific. To have this digital space where people can congregate, ground and collaborate, not confined by physical space, through multimedia and sometimes even multi-languages feels like a rare, but highly valuable experience.”

Heading into its third issue, Elsha acknowledges that without funding from various funding organizations in Alberta and Calgary, over the past few years, this project would not have been possible. “Receiving the Project Grant for Organizations from Calgary Arts Development (CADA) has helped us to keep to our publication schedule for our 2nd and 3rd issues. Having organizations like CADA and other granting organizations believe in what we are doing, helps us to establish processes and shows funders that we have a successful production track record, which is crucial to future funding.”

“It feels like Calgary has changed so much in the last few years, especially when it comes to the financial reality for artists. The city is becoming less affordable. We are hearing more about the challenges for them to stay, live, work and create here. Being able to pay contributing artists through project grants like this is so important. CADA has done a lot to make grants accessible and offer a supportive process. They are also connected to the communities they are serving — it means a lot to see members of the CADA team supporting local artists and arts organizations at local arts events.”

“We believe art exists on all planes, but reject the barriers and stipulations of the “art world” and its arbiters. Our mission is to spark interdisciplinary connection through written work and contemporary art forms, and our hope is that when you’re here, you might find something new, honest, and inviting.”