BACKGROUND
We are excited to announce the 2nd issue of 168 Magazine, a youth-led publication celebrating the vibrant past, present, and future of Vancouver's Chinatown. Following the success of the inaugural issue, which looked boldly toward the future of Vancouver's Chinatown, Issue 2 takes an intimate journey into the past-exploring nostalgia, heritage, and the intergenerational ties of culture as told through the lens of food.
168 continues with Issue 2 to be edited and created by a team of high school and university students in Vancouver. The project was founded by Blake Abbie, a Chinese-Scottish Canadian artist & editor based in Vancouver & New York Chinatowns, who acts as mentor to the team.
The magazine will include Recipes of the Past, featuring stories and portraits of community members sharing culinary traditions like establishments such as Boba Run and Bob Sung's A Wok Around (Chinatown), featuring vibrant portrait film photography of Jeremy Jude Lee.
Soups highlights multicultural identities through recipes and stories of 168's youth editorial team, featuring soups like Pork and Cabbage Tangyuan and Pork and Century Egg Congee, complemented by stunning youth photography.
Food in Community showcases reflections from students, residents, and customers on the meaning of food, culture, and their experiences in Chinatown.
EMPOWERING YOUTH
This magazine's written content, photography, art, and design will be the work of local youth in high school and university. The publication will include diverse perspectives from those who have contributed to the rich tapestry of the Chinatown area.
The project provides an exceptional opportunity for diverse youth to develop skills in journalism, photography, storytelling, art, and media production. Participants will work alongside industry professionals who provide mentorship in key areas and have grown up and around Vancouver's Chinatown.
WHY THIS?
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinatown has been subject to elevated anti-Asian sentiment and had its cultural activities dampened. This publication seeks to bring awareness to the cultural hubs, powerful spirit, and human stories of the community to promote Chinatown's flourishing in its pandemic recovery.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
The 168 Team are looking for financial and in-kind support to facilitate the publication of this special printed time capsule. In-kind support includes, but is by no means limited to:
- Printing support
- Volunteering of personal time for interviews and photoshoots
- Offering specialty mentorship in writing, visual art, photography or design
- Contributing to the promotion of this endeavour
Bring this community-focused special publication to life. Contact Blake Abbie (b@blakeabbie.com)