New Horizons, Ever Optimism and Collaboration

Hi

Yes, okay, it was me that just left the previous post. Why hide behind a humble attitude. We have worked our socks off and I am proud of the latest issue. In fact it had an airing today at the V&A at the The Creative China: Visual Culture, Architecture and Design International Conference.

With each issue, I feel as a team, we become more solid and as a magazine we continue to challenge ourselves by bringing engaging editorial to the forefront of the arts and culture sector. I feel invigorated by new concepts and ideas, and have been seriously checking out some major events this summer to bring you in the new issue. I know, I know, the new one has only been out for 6 days, but I've got to keep the momentum going.

I am ever the optimist. Why? I can't tell you. I'm not like Candide, but you know, somehow, I always feel like things will work out. Often it's not how you initially planned, but really, things find ways of working out into new solutions, which you wouldn't have even dreamed possible in the first place.

You know, everyone is talking about the credit crunch. Some other creative businesses that I know have expressed their concerns, and I know first hand that things are changing, and the world as we knew it pre-Iraq War will never be the same again. A huge domino effect has occurred. I feel, though, it's important not to panic. Once pandemonium sets in, things become a different matter.

So, what does this have to do with collaboration? When times are tough, see what you can negotiate. Never accept anything at face value. Be smarter, brighter and on-the-ball and you'll get what you want. That's all I can say about that really.

So...mysterious or perhaps a bit like Forrest Gump? You decide.

We've got a great new partnership going on with Rough Trade at the moment. Check our their site www.roughtrade.com. They are a great bunch of people and worth checking out their shop.

So, what can I say, the new issue is out and I'm over the moon. Here are some details about the content:

Issue 23 of Aesthetica is the best one yet. It is a true gem. We have brought you the best from new literature, visual arts, music, theatre and film.

In the issue, you’ll find features on Alex Wheatle’s new book, The Dirty South and 30 years of Bloodaxe Books. In art – Korean artist, Gwon Osang’s UK debut, Fashion Photography, Want to See More of Me, an exhibition on at the National Portrait Gallery, Shirazeh Houshiary’s new work at the Lisson Gallery, and Free Range – the UK’s largest graduate show. In film – a preview to Take, The Escapist and the Rushes Soho Shorts Festival. While in music, Malcolm Middleton gives us the low-down on his new album, Born Ruffians UK debut, the mighty Gonzales, as well as Kim Gordon’s side project, Free Kitten. Theatre brings a Round up of the most exciting productions on this summer and a profile of Al Harah, a Palestinian theatre company.

Explore your creativity and the interdisciplinary nature of the arts with us this summer.

In the spirit of bargains, we're running a 20% off Subscription sale throughout June. Check it out: www.aestheticamagazine.com

Have a fantastic weekend. Take a load off. I know I will and I can't wait.

Cherie