Announcing Portico: A New Literary Quarterly

First Things is pleased to announce the publication of its new print literary quarterly, Portico, starting in spring 2026.

The title of the quarterly comes from a proposed but never realized literary journal that had the support of both T. S. Eliot and C. S. Lewis. The aim of the quarterly is to publish writing of the highest quality on topics of literary and artistic significance.

Literary magazines that once shaped the American identity by publishing stories addressing shared ideals now focus on things that divide us, replacing the supple delights of conversation with the iron diktats of ideology. Precious few publications are now devoted to covering great books and art from a nonpartisan point of view. This has had a devastating effect on our culture. A new literary publication plotting a different course is needed.

Each issue of Portico will include original artwork, essays, a short story, poetry, reviews, and articles on film and art. Some of today’s best writers are featured in the first issue: Dana Gioia, Christian Wiman, A. E. Stallings, Mark Helprin, Alan Jacobs, Dominic Green, Amit Majmudar, Randy Boyagoda, and more.

Portico will build on First Things’ long history of cultural engagement and will be a publication where faith is taken seriously and free inquiry and tradition are held in high regard.

First Things editor R. R. Reno summed up the reason why we’re launching Portico: “The world can never have too much beauty.”

The quarterly is made possible by the generosity of four private donors and a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. It will be edited by First Things’ poetry editor, Micah Mattix, a former senior editor of Spectator World and former literary editor of the American Conservative. Lauren Wilson Geist will serve as managing editor.

As more institutions turn against beauty and feed our collective addiction to politics, institutions like First Things must assume a greater responsibility for providing an alternative. We are convinced that Portico can be that alternative, but it can’t succeed without your help. Subscribe now to receive four print issues and full digital access for $60 a year and make a tax-deductible donation here.

Join us as we seek to return art and literature to their proper places in our lives and culture.