NYC Anniversary Party: Celebrating 15 Years of The Common

NYC Anniversary Party: Celebrating 15 Years of The Common

June 24, 2025

On June 12, contributors, readers, and friends of The Common gathered in New York to celebrate the magazine’s 15th anniversary. The vibrant reception was a testament to The Common’s decade-and-a-half growth into a global literary community.

Scroll on for a gallery of selected images from the event!

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Acker stands at a podium.

Ted Conover speaks at a podium.

Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Acker and editorial board member Ted Conover commemorated 15 years of supporting international and emerging writers.

Moderator Leigh Newman and authors Lynn Steger Strong, Rumaan Alam, and Xochitl Gonzalez sit at a couch to have a panel conversation.

The event featured “This is the Place,” a panel conversation about sense of place in fiction, moderated by Leigh Newman (left) and featuring Lynn Steger Strong, Rumaan Alam, and Xochitl Gonzalez (left to right).

Cover of "The Float Test" by Lynn Steger Strong. Rumaan Alam and Xochitl Gonzalez seated having a discussion.
 
Audience members watch the panel discussion.
 
A warm reception for our panelists and their remarks on the ability of place to immerse, provoke, connect, and illuminate.
 
Four people talking in a circle.
 
 
Over food and drinks, guests mingled, reconnected with friends, and chatted about all things literary.
 
Two people having a discussion over drinks. Cover of Rumaan Alam's book, Entitlement
Table with issues of The Common
A table of food. In the background, people mingle.
Book cover of Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez Two people chat. Two people chat in front of a window.
Guests mingle. A table on the left has copies of the panelists' books.
 Roses made of paper in a vase.
 

Photos by Marin Scotten.

From the beginning, The Common has brought you transportive writing and exciting new voices. We are committed to supporting writers and maintaining free, unrestricted access to our website, but we can’t do it without you. Become an integral part of our global community of readers and writers by donating today. No amount is too small. Thank you!

NYC Anniversary Party: Celebrating 15 Years of The Common