Art X Activism, Shelby X Studios, £5 per month or £50 per year https://www.shelbyxstudios.com/zine
Art X Activism is an exciting new e-zine produced by Shelby X Studios.
Subscribers are welcomed with a blaze of colour and original artwork. Although readers access the magazine online the benefits of this model are its three-dimensional feel – with embedded links to short films, music and podcasts. This takes the reader on a journey through different art media to various destinations including campaigns, communities and a variety of art activism including poetry and music.
The first issue opens with a manifesto about art activism as a tool for revolution. The aims include ‘Educate to Liberate’, ‘Accessibility for All’, ‘Comm/unity – creating together’, with the message that ‘hope is on the horizon – through art and culture which helps us to imagine and create futures of freedom and joy.’
The originator of the e-zine says that the project developed out of grief, personal loss, the impact of the pandemic and the horrors of capitalism. ‘But, just as repression evolves, so does the resistance and Shelby X Studios exists to highlight the power of the people!’ References highlight the Black Panther Party breakfast programme, Cuban medical internationalism and the movement to free Mumia Abu-Jamal, among others.
Art X Activism collaborates with many artists and campaign groups in the belief that ‘a people’s art is the genesis of their freedom’, as Claudia Jones said. The e-zine offers to provide vibrant visuals for campaigns and to highlight different struggles against social injustice. The editor hopes the reader finds a ‘slice of motivation within these pages’ and indeed the content, design and multi-media approach does this.
Suzi Rose
FIGHT RACISM! FIGHT IMPERIALISM! 281 April/May 2021
