Southwest Contemporary gives the arts community the focused attention, critical engagement, and depth of storytelling that no other publication can provide to the Southwest region.
It’s that time of year again—when you receive countless asks for donations and support, no doubt in support of important work and valuable charitable causes. In every case, whether that work is addressing climate change, preserving democracy, or bringing the work of artists into the world, the work of journalism underlines and supports it all. Without journalism, reporting on these critical issues wouldn’t exist; it would be harder to learn what is happening and understand what is at stake.
At Southwest Contemporary, we are dedicated to the intersection of cultural expression and informed critical discourse. We are committed to celebrating and interrogating the arts, speaking truth to power, and upholding journalistic principles. Through our independent journalism, we explore, analyze, and illuminate diverse narratives of creative and cultural work across the Southwest region—and we cannot do this work without the support of you, our readers! By becoming a member or donor, you actively contribute to this work:
- Critical Analysis: Through in-depth articles, essays, and reviews, we provide nuanced and critical perspectives on artistic work and cultural production. Your support empowers us to maintain a rigorous and independent editorial voice, fostering a space for meaningful dialogue.
- Artist Profiles: We illuminate the stories behind the art through insightful artist profiles and interviews, offering our readers a deeper understanding of the perspectives shaping the artistic landscape of the region.
- Journalistic Reporting: We explore the broader cultural, social, and political contexts that influence and are influenced by the arts, asking critical questions and shedding light on relevant news.
- Community Engagement: Journalistic endeavors at Southwest Contemporary extend to community engagement, bringing together artists, collectors, curators, and enthusiasts. Your membership fosters an environment where ideas are shared, and collaborations are nurtured through resource-sharing, networking, and events.
In becoming a Southwest Contemporary member or donating to support our work, you actively participate in shaping the discourse surrounding contemporary art. Your support directly contributes to the sustainability of our journalistic efforts, enabling us to maintain the high integrity of our content and increase our arts coverage in 2024.
Will you help keep Southwest Contemporary going by becoming a member or making a one-time donation today?
Journalism, especially independent, locally owned journalism like Southwest Contemporary’s, is suffering from systemic economic precarity. Daily and weekly outlets can often no longer afford to produce substantial (or any) arts and culture content—which makes our work more important than ever. There is simply no way forward for us—or any art publication—without significant and ongoing support from readers and community members.
The good news is that we are doing things differently: as a small, nimble business with big conviction and an engaged community of readers, we can give the arts and creative sector the focused attention, critical engagement, and depth of storytelling that no other publication can provide to the Southwest region.
Please join us to keep arts and culture discourse alive across the Southwest and expand our capacity in 2024. We believe in this work, and we believe we can make the art world more inspired, thoughtful, equitable, and sustainable in this region.
To become a member, please visit our membership page and choose the membership level that resonates with your commitment to independent arts journalism. Members receive perks and benefits throughout the year. You can also make a one-time donation in support of this work. Better still, you can double your impact: all contributions made through December 31, 2023, will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 by the New Mexico Local News Fund.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to champion independent journalism and contribute to the flourishing landscape of contemporary art across the Southwest. Every contribution makes a difference.
In gratitude,
Lauren Tresp
publisher + editor, Southwest Contemporary
