EDITOR'S STATEMENT
by Ana Chen, founder and Editor-in-Chief
by Ana Chen, founder and Editor-in-Chief
Of all of our themes this year, “Thunder” has been the most specific. Paradoxically, this limits flexibility for potential contributions while giving contributors a more concrete source of inspiration.
This effect manifests in our Editor’s Statement, too - I really don’t know how to string an original metaphor or theme from “Thunder." What I can say, however, is that thunder symbolizes change, often of a striking nature (get it? Striking - lightning).
And It’s Real has changed! We have a new website, new programs, and new partnerships that we can’t wait to share with you; keep an eye out for our upcoming events in New York City and San Francisco, as well as a fellowship program coming in 2020! We’ve combined our Visual and Performing Arts into one section; we finally analyzed the success of our May "Your Story" features and changed the"Blog Posts" series into "Stories." Of course, a huge thank-you goes to our staff and contributors, the International Human Rights Art Festival, and everyone who helped us reach 21,000 reads.
As we roll into the new school year, remember to breathe and take time for yourself. Remember that there’ll always be a light at the end of the tunnel, yes, but also that the tunnel itself is never too dark. And if it does get bad, we hope It’s Real will continue to be a safe space for you - just as you support us, we’ll be supporting you.
Happy reading! We're sending you love and good vibes.
- Ana Chen, Founder + Editor-in-Chief
This effect manifests in our Editor’s Statement, too - I really don’t know how to string an original metaphor or theme from “Thunder." What I can say, however, is that thunder symbolizes change, often of a striking nature (get it? Striking - lightning).
And It’s Real has changed! We have a new website, new programs, and new partnerships that we can’t wait to share with you; keep an eye out for our upcoming events in New York City and San Francisco, as well as a fellowship program coming in 2020! We’ve combined our Visual and Performing Arts into one section; we finally analyzed the success of our May "Your Story" features and changed the"Blog Posts" series into "Stories." Of course, a huge thank-you goes to our staff and contributors, the International Human Rights Art Festival, and everyone who helped us reach 21,000 reads.
As we roll into the new school year, remember to breathe and take time for yourself. Remember that there’ll always be a light at the end of the tunnel, yes, but also that the tunnel itself is never too dark. And if it does get bad, we hope It’s Real will continue to be a safe space for you - just as you support us, we’ll be supporting you.
Happy reading! We're sending you love and good vibes.
- Ana Chen, Founder + Editor-in-Chief