EDITOR'S STATEMENT
by Ana Chen, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
by Ana Chen, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Despite my knowledge that the New Year was arbitrary in the most desperate of ways, I spent much of December hoping that the more distance we put between us and 2020, the more perspective we'd gain on it. While the Best of 2019 issue was a celebration of an anniversary, the Best of 2020 feels more pensive. The last year has given me ample reason to question It’s Real’s purpose and direction: are we a magazine, or a political organization? What place do we have in either realm? While it may be helpful to begin such a questioning with the visible successes of 2020—recognition from and partnerships with other organizations, a total of sixteen issues, and the launching of our documentary series—these metrics are poor indicators of our next steps.
I believe the Best of 2020 encapsulates our plans moving forward: the art and writing in this collection, however varied, demand motion. Our creators urge the audience to untether themselves, to negotiate a relationship to art and artist. It’s Real aims to follow this: to become an organization that pushes for movement. We have always sought to validate our readers’ experiences through art and writing, but we are just beginning to push beyond that—to push our readers into action, both for themselves and for others, with the confidence that grows from validation. As such, alongside our quarterly issues, we will also be hosting virtual events and fundraisers for mental health awareness.
Please keep an eye out for these updates! In the meantime, stay safe and take care. Happy reading.
- Ana Chen, Founder and Editor-in-Chief
I believe the Best of 2020 encapsulates our plans moving forward: the art and writing in this collection, however varied, demand motion. Our creators urge the audience to untether themselves, to negotiate a relationship to art and artist. It’s Real aims to follow this: to become an organization that pushes for movement. We have always sought to validate our readers’ experiences through art and writing, but we are just beginning to push beyond that—to push our readers into action, both for themselves and for others, with the confidence that grows from validation. As such, alongside our quarterly issues, we will also be hosting virtual events and fundraisers for mental health awareness.
Please keep an eye out for these updates! In the meantime, stay safe and take care. Happy reading.
- Ana Chen, Founder and Editor-in-Chief