New Mexico native Emily Withnall debuts as new editor of El Palacio magazine

November 28th, 2023

Santa Fe - El Palacio, the official magazine of New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) and the nation’s oldest museum magazine of its kind, welcomes its newest editor, Emily Withnall. Since 1913, El Palacio has been preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of New Mexico while showcasing the art, culture, and history of the Southwest. A contributing writer to the magazine since 2016, Emily is a welcome addition to the publication. 

 “In the last four years, we have made a dedicated effort to expand the magazine’s editorial content to more broadly represent the state,” said Daniel Zillmann, director of communications and marketing for New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and El Palacio publisher. “Emily, with a deep connection to eastern New Mexico and a finger on the cultural pulse of the state, is well-suited to widen this scope even more extensively.” 

 In her role, Withnall is responsible for generating and editing El Palacio magazine, developing and hosting the Encounter Culture podcast, and effectively communicating the stories, exhibitions, and public programs of the unique divisions of NMDCA. 

 Withnall hails from Las Vegas, New Mexico and has an extensive background in the writing industry and higher education. She earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies with a writing emphasis from University of Montana and a Bachelor of Arts in English from New Mexico Highlands University. She has received many awards and honors including the Wellesley College Paulson-Frost Practitioner Teaching Fellowship, Women’s International Study Center Residency and Fellowship, Nonfiction finalist for Sustainable Arts Foundation Award, and first place in nonfiction for AWP Kurt Brown Award. 

 "After having written for El Palacio for eight years, I’m delighted to now be editing the magazine that honors and celebrates the diverse cultures, histories, and people of my home state," said Emily. 

 Withnall’s inaugural edition, Winter 2023, Vol. 19 / No. 4, publishes on December 1, 2023. 

 About El Palacio  

El Palacio was first published in 1913, one year after New Mexico reached statehood. The name of the magazine — “the palace” — refers to the Palace of the Governors, the first museum in what historically is referred to as the Museum of New Mexico, established in 1909, eventually reorganized under the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. El Palacio covers art, culture, and history of the Southwest, with emphasis on the exhibitions, research, and programs of the state museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions of New Mexico.