Ottawa's contemporary scene receives a call to action from the latest print magazine, highlighting the city's trendiness and artistic flair.
In the heart of Ottawa, a new print magazine named Orange Cube has made its debut, aiming to fill the cultural and creative void left by the closure of Ottawa Magazine in 2023. This experimental, Gen Z-coded addition to the city’s media landscape is a deliberate attempt to present Ottawa as a dynamic, culturally rich city, challenging the narrative that there's nothing to do in the city[1].
The magazine, printed on heavyweight paper and available for pre-order at its launch, is a collaborative effort involving seven team members listed on the masthead and about twenty contributors for the inaugural edition. Ekene Okonkwo, an editor and art director of the magazine, emphasizes that Orange Cube aims to showcase the creativity and innovation in Ottawa, countering any notion that it lacks vibrancy[1].
The first edition of Orange Cube, themed "On Being an Artist," includes diverse and engaging content. Highlights include an in-depth interview with emerging visual artist Yomi Orimoloye, a vibrant photo story capturing the ballet Giselle at the National Arts Centre, and a ranking of Ottawa’s best party street - Centretown’s Elgin versus ByWard Market’s Clarence. Andi Sasmito, the chef de cuisine at Town on Elgin Street and Citizen on Gilmour, was photographed and interviewed by Orange Cube for a spread, offering insights into his approach to cooking[1].
Stella Nwakaeze, handling Orange Cube's marketing, stated that print provides a tangible result after months of hard work and gives the publication a more serious and secure image[1]. Kayla Daigle, an editor of issue zero, emphasizes that print offers a powerful alternative to sharing art on social media, allowing for a more personal and tangible experience[1].
The magazine's choice to publish in print format is a deliberate decision, aiming to provide a more substantial and tangible product compared to digital media. Jennifer Lim-Tamkican, a team member, explained that the color orange was chosen to capture readers' attention and make a statement in Ottawa[1].
Orange Cube serves as a new platform within Ottawa's media ecosystem, filling the gap left by the closure of a long-standing city magazine. It positions itself as a wake-up call that emphasizes Ottawa’s underground and emerging creative scenes[1]. This debut issue of Orange Cube serves as a "wake-up call" and a "spark" for Ottawa residents, inviting them to explore and engage with the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
[1] Information sourced from the Orange Cube press release.
The magazine, titled Orange Cube, is a fresh addition to Ottawa's media landscape, launched to challenge the lackluster narrative about the city's cultural offerings. Collaboratively created by seven team members and over twenty contributors, it promises to showcase Ottawa's creativity and innovation.
Ekene Okonkwo, an editor and art director, emphasizes the magazine's mission to counter any notions of Ottawa's supposed lack of vibrancy. Its debut issue, themed "On Being an Artist," includes engaging content such as an interview with emerging visual artist Yomi Orimoloye and a ranking of Ottawa’s best party street.
The magazine's marketing is managed by Stella Nwakaeze, who believes that print offers a tangible result after months of hard work. Kayla Daigle, an editor, adds that print provides a more personal and tangible experience compared to sharing art on social media.
The magazine's choice to publish in print format is deliberate, aiming to provide a more substantial and tangible product compared to digital media. The color orange was chosen to capture readers' attention and make a statement in Ottawa.
Orange Cube serves as a new platform within Ottawa's media ecosystem, filling the gap left by the closure of a long-standing city magazine. It positions itself as a wake-up call that emphasizes Ottawa’s underground and emerging creative scenes.
This debut issue of Orange Cube serves as a "wake-up call" and a "spark" for Ottawa residents, inviting them to explore and engage with the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. The magazine features diverse content, including an in-depth interview with a chefs, Andi Sasmito, vibrant photos from the ballet Giselle, and insights into his approach to cooking.
In the realm of lifestyle, Orange Cube offers a mix of personal growth, shopping, and relationship advice, providing practical tips and insights for its readers. For those interested in education and self-development, the magazine delves into important topics such as career development and personal growth.
In the world of entertainment, Orange Cube covers celebrities, pop-culture, and sci-fi and fantasy, offering readers a glimpse into the latest trends and discussions in these spheres. Sports enthusiasts will find a section dedicated to basketball, sports betting, and weather updates.
In the realms of fashion, beauty, food, and home, Orange Cube provides readers with stylish tips, delicious recipes, and home improvement ideas. For travelers, the magazine offers destinations and tips for exploring new cities and experiences.
Finally, for those who enjoy the digital world, Orange Cube includes sections on cars, technology, books, and social media, providing in-depth reviews and discussions on these topics. With its diverse content, Orange Cube is poised to become a significant player in Ottawa's media landscape.
