Spring 2023 Appeal
Dear Arts Fuse reader:
We need your help to continue to bring you one-of-a kind reviews and in-depth reporting about Boston’s arts and culture scene, from the visual arts and film to TV, theater, books, and dance.
“The Arts Fuse is an invaluable part of Boston’s arts ecosystem. The depth and breadth of coverage set them apart from their peers in arts criticism. More than once, in recent years, they have been the only outlet covering artists and performances of international relevance.”
— Jack Wright, The Celebrity Series
We are proudly nonprofit! 100% of your donations go to our operating costs and to pay our writers so we can remain your independent source for staying abreast of Boston’s vibrant arts scene.
Why this Appeal?
You, our loyal readers, supply crucial operating support for the magazine’s high-quality arts coverage. We have no wealthy donors in the wings supporting us. Philanthropic organizations fund the MFA and the BSO but never independent cultural journalism. Without your generous contributions, the magazine would not exist. We need to balance our books or join the hundreds of media outlets which have shut down including, locally, the Boston Phoenix and The Improper Bostonian.
“The Arts Fuse is more than a fuse — it's da bomb! Smart and stimulating, it brings home the value, joy, and depth of the arts.”
— Gish Jen, author
What would happen if the Arts Fuse went dark tomorrow?
It would be a “silent spring” for arts and culture in Boston.
No more daily reviews, features, interviews, and commentaries from 70+ critics in the know.
No more Short Fuse podcasts. No more weekly poems.
No more Francis Davis Jazz Poll. No more Coming Attractions.
No more remembrances of local arts leaders, such as Lucia Small or George Fifield.
No place for thousands of articles on film, TV, theater, dance, visual art, and music.
No way for arts organizations, large and small, to get the word out about what they are doing — at a time when the arts are struggling to survive.
No professional criticism from an independent perspective — at a time the mainstream media is zeroing out arts coverage.
No one to remind people why they love the arts or to challenge marketing blather.
No one to point out innovative arts and culture on the margins that should be seen.
No one to support the arts by amplifying the voices of artists in our community
No one to help train the arts critics of the future.
Bottom Line: 16 years of covering the arts as few independent magazines online around the country have — over 8000 articles — will vanish.
“The Arts Fuse helps us, artists and audiences alike, to better appreciate ourselves as a community as it enriches us culturally. The magazine's support for artists' careers is invaluable.”
— Laszlo Gardony, jazz pianist and composer
Keep the Fuse Lit and enjoy outstanding reviews and reporting.
Daniel Gewertz wondering why Adam Sandler won the Mark Twain Prize | Debra Cash scrutinizing the book Why Dance Matters | John Barrett defending the decision to place Anna May Wong's face on a quarter | Paul Robicheau congratulating the band Goose for earning its indie-groove wings | Steve Elman praising the classical music of Pulitzer prize-winning jazz artist Wadada Leo Smith | Helen Miller and Michael Strand examining the head-spinning art of Cy Twombly and Léonie Guyer | Sarah Osman high stepping to the delights of Netflix's Dance Monsters | Ed Symkus recommending a gossipy documentary about John Lennon's Lost Weekend | Bill Marx reviewing Zadie Smith's stage version of Chaucer's The Wife of Willesden
“I also just want to tell you how much I love ArtsFuse; it’s such an amazing resource. There’s a real lack of theatre coverage in the Boston area, so your website fills a critical need. I moved to Boston from Chicago three years ago, and at first I really missed Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene. But ArtsFuse has helped me find small theatre companies and excellent things to see here in New England.”
— reader Chelsea Kendall