This year we received the largest single donation in our history — $25,000. That gift inspired us to raise another $25,000 this holiday season to invest in our future.

Dear Arts Fuse reader:

For over 18 years, The Arts Fuse has brought you independent critical coverage of the arts with writing that is provocative, nuanced, and free for everyone. We cover the local and national stories that need to be told — over 900 articles this year, ranging from bold reviews to thoughtful commentaries and interviews. In those 18 years we have published 11,000 articles and counting.

This past year over 900,000 readers from 23 countries read our independent reviews, previews, commentaries, weekly columns, and a new poem every Thursday. They also listened to our “Short Fuse” podcast, and were given pointers to the most anticipated books, films, performances, and more on our list of coming arts attractions in New England and beyond.

The Arts Fuse has built a loyal following. That should not be surprising. Thoughtful, informed arts coverage has all but disappeared in the media, from daily papers and magazines to online news sites.

It’s alive and well at the Fuse, and in all we do. We have plans to expand — not contract — our commitment to covering the arts and celebrating illuminating criticism.

We’re proud that we can provide all of this without a paywall.

But now it’s your turn.

With your help, The Arts Fuse can move toward sustainability. This year we received the largest single donation in our history — $25,000. That gift inspired us to raise another $25,000 this holiday season to invest in our future.

100% of your donations go to our operating costs and to pay our writers.

We are sweetening our request by letting you know that the first five people who contribute $500 to The Arts Fuse by December 31 will receive a signed copy of Gish Jen’s novel Bad Bad Girl, published just a few weeks ago.

Please consider making as generous a gift as you can – one time or monthly – whether online, by check, or as a recommended gift from your Donor Advised Fund.

You can also reap significant end-of-year tax benefits by making a gift of appreciated stock, or donating all or a portion of your Required Minimum Distribution from your retirement fund.

And remember to ask if your employer will match your gift!

The Arts Fuse EIN is 27-0924769. Got any questions? Reach out to me at wmarx103@gmail.com — we love to hear from our readers.

With heartfelt thanks,

Editor Bill Marx, and the rest of the gang at The Arts Fuse