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ATU launches fifth edition of Scrimshaw Journal of New Writing and Visual Art
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has launched the fifth edition of its annual Scrimshaw Journal of New Writing and Visual Art at its Sligo Campus, marking another milestone for the student-led creative publication.
The latest edition showcases a rich and diverse range of work from current students, staff and alumni across ATU, including poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, visual art, music and multimedia.
The official launch took place on Thursday, 30 April 2026, featuring readings from contributors and a special guest appearance by author and creative writing lecturer Garrett Carr. Originally from Killybegs, Co Donegal, Carr is the author of The Boy from the Sea, shortlisted for the An Post Novel of the Year Award, and The Rule of the Land: Walking Ireland’s Border, which was featured as a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.
Established in 2022, Scrimshaw has evolved from a student initiative into a recognised platform within Ireland’s literary and creative landscape. The journal continues to encourage participation across disciplines while fostering a vibrant and supportive creative community across ATU’s campuses.
Editors-in-Chief Melissa Breen and Emily James, final-year students on the Writing & Literature programme at ATU, said the fifth edition reflects both the growth of the journal and the strength of creative talent across the University.
Emily James said:
Working on Scrimshaw has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This year’s edition brings together a wide range of voices and creative styles, and it’s been inspiring to see the level of talent across the ATU community. We’re proud to provide a platform where contributors can share their work and be part of something lasting.
Melissa Breen added:
“Each edition builds on the last, and we were very conscious of continuing to raise the standard while staying true to what Scrimshaw represents. It’s more than a journal- it’s a space for expression, collaboration and confidence-building for emerging writers and artists. We hope readers connect with the work as much as we did while putting it together.”
The team included editors Dean McMorrow, Tara-Fay Ní Riain and Natalia Grobelska, with Gemmaclaire Haverty as PR and social media lead, and Karolina Stankova and Rozalie Kohoutkova as designers.
Funded by ATU, the journal is produced as a free publication, reinforcing the University’s commitment to accessibility in the arts. Copies of the 2026 edition will be available in ATU libraries and selected outlets in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Sligo.
Building on the success of the Sligo launch, a new showcase event will take place at the Irish Writers Centre in Dublin on 20 May 2026, extending the reach of the journal and its contributors to a wider national audience. The event will include guest speaker Dr Keith Hopper, who also lectures on the ATU programme.
Find out more about the event and how to attend here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/scrimshaw-journal-showcase-with-guest-speaker-dr-keith-hopper-tickets-1987730223607
Check out the Scrimshaw website: https://www.scrimshaw.ie
Online edition of the 2026 Scrimshaw Journal of New Writing and Visual art:https://issuu.com/atlantictechnologicaluniversity/docs/scrimshaw_volume_five_b513c2628b236b?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw
Photo captions:
- Editors Melisa Breen and Emily James at the launch of the fifth edition of the Scrimshaw Journal.
- Writers featured in the fifth edition of the Scrimshaw Journal who read from their published work during the launch.
- The fifth edition of the Scrimshaw Journal of New Writing and Visual Art showcases creative work from across the ATU community and beyond.
- Anne Donnelly, ATU Magazine Editor, reading her poem published in the fifth edition of the Scrimshaw Journal.
For media enquiries, contact:
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: 089 963 9559
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie
