Where are you from? Where are you now? Tell us your story—from here.
We know, we know—hearing “where are you from?” everywhere you go makes you want to cover your ears and run away!
So why don’t we FLIP THE SCRIPT and start shouting about where we are from and sharing our incredible (and yes, challenging) experiences as members of a diaspora here in Canada—through our own unique and globally-inspired lens?
The Here Magazine team is inviting diaspora writers and photographers from across Canada to join us in our new campaign: From Here: Diaspora Voices in Canada. We’re building a collection of original stories that reflect the complexity, imagination, humour, joy, and resilience of those of us living between cultures, languages and homes.
We are exceptional, but we are not the exception—we are the norm. Let’s show the world who we are!
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or photographer—or just starting out—your voice and perspective matters.
Why Join?
- Share your perspective as part of a national storytelling project centring diaspora voices
- Be featured in Here Magazine, our digital platform for creative and cultural expression
- Receive editorial guidance and community support
- Help shift the narrative of what it means to be here and belong here
What We’re Looking For
We welcome:
- Personal essays, creative nonfiction, reflections, photo essays, and hybrid pieces (500-750 words)
- Stories that explore identity, memory, migration, longing, belonging—and everything in between. We will be posting a new prompt theme each month, starting in April 2025.
- Writers and photographers from any stage of their journey, from any part of the world, currently based in Canada
How to Participate
- Apply
Fill out the short application form below—tell us a bit about yourself and upload a writing sample or examples of photography from your portfolio. Note: Webform applications accepted only. Please do not send us unsolicited pitches for this project via email. They will not be considered. - Pitch Review
Our editorial team will review your pitch and get back to you within 1–2 weeks. - Story Development
For written articles: if selected, you’ll work with a story editor to shape your piece. We’ll support you through 1–2 rounds of editing. - Publication
Your story or photo essay will be published on heremagazine.ca and promoted through our networks, with a possibility of being included in our 2025 special edition print issue. - Honorarium
All selected contributors will receive an honorarium for their published work.
Deadlines + Details
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis starting April 4, 2025, with priority given to early submissions.
- Writers and creatives must currently reside in Canada.
Got Questions?
We’d love to hear from you. Email us at community@heremagazine.ca or follow us on Instagram [@heremagazinecanada] for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
We are the stories we carry. We are the stories we tell. Join us—from here.
Apply below!
April 2025 Creative Prompt Theme: Feeling grounded in a natural environment here in Canada
Writers: Personal essays, creative nonfiction, and reflections on this theme are welcome! (500-750 words)
Photographers: Captioned photo essays on this theme are welcome! (10-12 photos)