Cuckoo Review is a new online arts and culture magazine for the North of England, where young writers aged 15-23 will be casting a critical eye on the latest cultural offerings in the region and beyond.
Following its launch on 22 April 2013, Cuckoo Review has been updated on an almost daily basis with news, previews and reviews, making the site the go-to place for the most up-to-date cultural news. With tight deadlines, competition for the “top” stories and young writers being encouraged to pitch their own ideas, Cuckoo Review aims to mirror a professional working magazine as closely as possible.
Cuckoo Review was initiated following a series of masterclasses which ran throughout the summer of 2012, which saw young reviewers working with leading journalists including Laura Snapes from music website Pitchfork, Danny Leigh from BBC One’s Film programme, and Elizabeth Day and Kate Kellaway from The Observer. Participants made it clear that the North East lacked the opportunities and infrastructure to support young writers who wanted to break into journalism.
The scheme has received overwhelming support from the region’s top cultural venues, which have provided free tickets, attendance at press events, and access to artists visiting the region.
Cuckoo Review forms part of New Writing North’s ongoing programme of work with young people – Cuckoo Young Writers – which includes fortnightly writing groups, summer schools, workshops in schools, and online literary magazine .
For more information about New Writing North, see www.newwritingnorth.com.
