Count us among those who wish to drive a stake into the heart of this awful year. 2016 saw the world definitively became a darker, more impoverished place. We lost battles and we lost friends. Trump won. Aleppo fell. The Ghost Ship burned and looks to have opened a rash of low-level war against DIY art venues. Some great artists left us and some important comrades. There were victories, and important ones at that (we see you and love you, Standing Rock), but too few.
So yes, we all deserve a break. A chance to recharge, to reflect, to spend time with family and friends. It may go without saying that we don’t put a lot of stock in traditional religious ritual at Red Wedge, let alone the mawkish sanctimony and consumerism shoved down our throats every holiday season. But like all of you, we take the leisure we can get.
In that spirit, Red Wedge will be going on break through the end of the year. We will return to publishing on January 20th – Inauguration Day. As many readers are aware, we’ve taken much of 2016 to reflect on the necessity and shape of this publication, and when we come back in January, publishing will yield these discussions. Sharper material, more projects, a broader reach.
On that note, we wish to leave you with a firm reminder to support us in any way you can. If you or a friend have an idea that would fit the theme of our third issue, then send us a message. Visit our newly launched online store wedge shop and make a purchase; in 2017 we expect its inventory to grow.
We also are planning to launch a sustainer program, where members who donate a minimum amount each month will be rewarded with subscriptions, swag, and other fun items. In the meantime, please donate. Our project always has and will continue to rely on the support of you, the readers. If that means this short post double as a plea for financial or ideological support, then so be it. Our side is growing in beleaguered circumstances, albeit swiftly in some cases. We must continue.
Hopefully, 2017 will be better. Maybe it will, but there’s a good chance it won’t. It will likely be hard, and what we get we will have to fight for. There will be struggle, and there will be art, music, poetry. We aim to be there for it.
"Feuilleton" is the Red Wedge editors' blog focused on announcements, events and relevant debate.