What I've learned from two weeks working at Now Then
- Rose Mason
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
This entry was adapted from the original post on LinkedIn.
I've spent the last two weeks with Now Then Magazine and have loved being a part of their team, getting out and about reporting in Sheffield.
It was inspiring to be there at a transitional time, I helped feed into their new editorial framework, where they are making their output more intentional – to amplify marginalised voices and celebrate Sheffield’s communities. (If you'd like to contribute stories of resistance and hope in Sheffield, go here).
As well as reporting, I edited articles, helped create their newsletter, attended meetings about the vision for 2026 – and exciting plans to go back to print for the first time since pre-Covid! I found stories, arranged interviews across the city, and did some deeper investigative stuff working with FOIs.
I wrote a few arts and culture pieces, including interviewing Mojisola Kareem of Utopia Theatre on directing Crown of Blood – a new adaptation of Macbeth, transposed to Yorubaland. Mojisola shared why this is so important for Sheffield's African diaspora, and how the legacy of colonialism creates barriers to people connecting with their heritage and identity. I was also invited to press night for the play, which was fantastic!
I also wrote a piece about the new Artworks exhibition and competition at Millenium Gallery, showcasing the work of autistic artists and artists with learning disabilities. I asked some of the artists about their experiences with neurodiversity and barriers to the art world, which made a very enlightening piece. More articles will be out soon!
Thanks so much to Sam Walby and Sam Gregory for having me. You were both incredibly supportive in helping me learn and making me feel so welcome.
Working in the office with the wider team was a pleasure. A lovely, fun and deeply passionate group of people working on radical change in Sheffield.
The vision of Now Then and Opus is just what we need in the current state of the world, so definitely check out what they do if you haven't already. I hope to do much more with them in the future!
Follow Rose on LinkedIn.