There is a lot of hooting going on around town, now that we have Barack Obama as our president. Collectively, we are delighted that Team Bush is tucking up its tail, because now we can focus our energies in moving beyond the morass and into the swamp of what is to be done.

In this environment of cultural change, artists and makers of all stripes are going to be faced with seismic and challenging situations and decisions. Now that we have a president who understands what it is like to be labeled a terrorist, we foresee a shift into a new openness, a fresh slate onto which to develop experimental ideas and projects. Change may come in a mind free from fear and suppression, and perhaps free from Market Forces too. Perhaps. We are hopeful, but we need a plan too. In the increasingly depressed economy, many artists are raising their eyebrows while figuring out strategies to survive the crash in the commercial art markets. For example, experimental artists in the non-profit worlds wonder if their potential funding will be affected by crashing foundations. And what about art patrons? Will they still be decking their halls with the work of promising young (or weathered) artists? It is hard to divine the future when all we can see is debt and more part time jobs. On a bright note, many of the people we know will not be affected by the coming downturns because they already operate on alternative models of funding. They share and expose their work through social networks, new technologies, and alternative spaces. Many of them are not engaged with the necessary illusions of the art market. And those of us inhabiting and navigating within the Dark Matter of the art worlds will continue to do what we do best: work. In this, our third issue, Proximity looks at what our neighbors and peers are doing in some unexpected places. We take a peek at online and offline publishing worlds and how their networking creates a tipping point. We also look at some interventionist art practices that will not go away, despite the new post-Bush era that’s governing the consensus reality. And of course, all our regular columns, features, and showcases are here too. The big question we are asking, now, is how do we go beyond our own ghettos to reach all those people who believe in that mythical change? Where’s the promised land? We want you to help us define and cover the ideas, practices, collectives, and groups that will be redefining art practices in the coming years. You! Please consider this your magazine. Tell us where to go and what to see. We are hopeful for the future, and hope this opening in the clouds refreshes your life and inspiration too.

Ed & Rachael

Issue #3 is available for purchase via paypal.