Curb Magazine launches 22nd edition, Curb: Fusion

The Curb class joined together at the 2023 launch party on Monday, December 11.

The 22nd edition of Curb magazine, Curb: Fusion, officially launched on Monday, December 11 and is now available in print and online . This year’s issue focused on Wisconsin narratives that navigate the intersection of diverse ideas and interactions.

The Curb: Fusion cover features Ali Acevado, curator at “All Goods,” a vintage clothing store in the suburbs of Milwaukee

In an increasingly divided cultural, social and political landscape, Curb: Fusion embraces these challenges, celebrating the richness in perspective and what surfaces when we come together. The stories in this issue showcase a Milwaukee man pioneering changes in vintage reselling, a rural county’s journey to attaining high-speed internet, and the evolving relationship between the state and tribal courts.

Editor Sophia Vento led the class of 25 in selecting a theme, developing articles and designing the magazine.

“Watching the magazine come together was such an amazing and collaborative experience. The process of us working collectively to create this magazine is fusion in action,” Vento said.

Creating 64 pages of printed content along with full-length versions of each story plus multimedia content is no easy feat. Students in Journalism 417: Magazine Publishing spent the Sunday before Thanksgiving break in Vilas Hall proofing the magazine, with the last group leaving around 2 a.m.

“Spending 18 straight hours in the J-School was a lot, but the work was all worth it to ensure that this magazine emulates our vision of fusion,” said Abigail Leavins, Managing Editor.

Post proof day, several students embarked on a visit to Royle Printing in Sun Prairie, where Curb is printed. They watched as thousands of pounds of blank paper turned into a tangible magazine. For the last 14 years, Royle has contributed to the cost of printing the magazine.

Beyond the creative process, Curb relies on fundraising efforts to facilitate the distribution of its issues. Emma Goshin, Marketing Director and leader of the business team, spearheaded successful initiatives, raising $10,000 through advertising sales, headshot fundraisers and collaborations with Madison businesses.

“The business team worked extremely hard to come up with innovative fundraising ideas that would be both beneficial to participants and lucrative for Curb. Every single dollar fueled the vision of fusion, allowing our team to create tangible work for thousands to see,” Goshin said.

Journalism 417 has been taught by instructor Stacy Forster since 2014.

“I have seen firsthand all of the hard work that these students have put into producing this magazine,” Forster said. “They have thrown themselves into making this magazine and website for the last 13 weeks, and they’ve produced a range of thoughtful, well-written stories and multimedia content. I’m always amazed by what students can create together within one semester.”