by Kathleen Kvern   December 21, 2005

Here is a bit of information on access + ENGAGE the new arts journal presented by mnartists.org.
access + ENGAGE

mnartists.org announces the launch of access + ENGAGE a biweekly arts e-journal featuring artwork, interviews, commentary, and events presented by artists, curators, critics, scholars, and cultural producers providing an authoritative source on Minnesota’s vibrant arts culture. Reflecting the diversity of artists registered on mnartists.org, the e-journal features compelling arts information in all disciplines—visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, music, new media, design, and architecture.

access + ENGAGE provides arts enthusiast a hand-picked selection of upcoming events from around the state, art by Minnesota luminaries and emerging artists alike, and insightful cultural commentary. Kathleen Kvern, Project Director for mnartists.org, says, “This arts journal brings Minnesota artists and artwork to the audience—with over 7,000 artists and arts organizations and 36,000 works of art on mnartists.org, the site can be a lot to take in. We hope the e-journal will give a compelling overview of the fantastically rich Minnesota artworld, and also serve as an entry point and guide for the full on-line experience of the ‘radical democracy’ that is mnartists.org!”

mnartists.org has contracted Susannah McNeely-Schouweiler, formerly the editor-in-chief of Ruminator magazine, as editor of access + ENGAGE. McNeely-Schouweiler will coordinate a lively mix of innovative editorial content and is commissioning original writing for the e-journal by local and national contributors. The first issue will launch in January 2006. The e-journal is designed by Brand + Butter, a local design firm whose client list includes Best Buy, Dreamworks Pictures, gamefly.com, Marvel Comics, and Rolling Stone Magazine.

access + ENGAGE will automatically be sent to mnartists.org members, twice a month, who choose to accept e-mails from the site. The e-journal will also be available to non-members who subscribe on-line at mnartists.org. Subscribers to access + ENGAGE do not have to join mnartists.org to receive the arts e-journal.