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A platform for stories, art, and creative expression—created by the community, for community.

2026.NAHUI THEME:
WE ARE/SOMOS

Deadline: September 3, 11:59 PST

SUBMIT

En el Eastside, juntos nos levantamos. In the Eastside, we rise together — remembering our ancestors, golden hearts held gently in our hands, guiding us home. Our souls illuminate with pride and loyalty as we celebrate our roots, honor the beauty of our culture, and tend to ofrendas in every home, every kitchen table, every quiet corner where memory lives. Our home is like no other—the faithful souls uplifting our communities are reflected in one another, again and again.

As we close the last issue of 2026, we come home. Our spirits declare unity until the end, and into whatever comes next. This issue is WE ARE/SOMOS—because we are East San José, we have always been East San José, and we will be here hasta el final, y más allá

FAQ’S

  • We accept submissions through 11:59 PM PST of the set submission deadline.

  • EASTSIDE Magazine prioritizes submissions from East San Jose. Contributors don’t have to live in East San José, but if the submission relates to or represents the culture in the Eastside, then we welcome it. Submissions from greater San Jose will be considered depending on connection to ESSJ and theme.

  • We don’t accept physical art submissions, but you can easily submit your work via the Asana form above. Upload high-resolution images of your work—this helps us ensure it looks its best in the printed magazine.

  • Simon!

  • This is the hard part of submitting to a publication. How does your work represent you? Your craft? The theme? Etc. We can’t tell you what to submit; we can only encourage you to reflect on the theme and what comes up for you. Regardless, shoot your shot. Best of luck!

  • For resubmitting, please email us at eastside[at]kooltura.com, and we’ll work together to reach a mutual agreement.

  • Sure thing! The word count is not required to be met. 250 words is the maximum due to the magazine page limits; it's okay if it's a little under or over. But please be mindful that exceeding the 250-word count will impact whether or not the poem can fit in the limited pages of the print magazine.