Bridge Review

an introduction

One of the major objectives of the Bridge Center for Contemporary Art is to inform and educate the public about contemporary art issues. In a world where for-profit newspapers and other commercial news sources must adapt to shorter attention spans, it is difficult for serious dialogue about the arts to take place in our city through the existing media. The Bridge Center has published a journal that addresses the need for in-depth coverage about the arts through reviews, essays and interviews with artists, educators and key members of the El Paso, Las Cruces and Cd. Juarez arts communities. The Review is also a vehicle to inform the public about events, programs and activities at the Bridge Center.

The Bridge Center for Contemporary Art has already published 10 issues of a 20-page tabloid, black and white (to 10,000 copies) of the Bridge Review journal. The response has been overwhelmingly positive due to its very professional looking layout and the depth of its articles. The fact that some of the reviews actually give constructive and critical feedback to the artists rather than just list or promote cultural events has also been praised. However, since it exists with a minimal budget, the number of issues and pages has been limited to quarterly issues. Our writers and layout designers have all volunteered their time. We are asking art organizations, private and public foundations to co- sponsor out publications in the future. We are also developing advertisement and commercial sponsorships for additional income.

The Bridge Review is always a good newspaper to grab hold of if you want something to talk about. Controversial, informative, interesting, bilingual--the Bridge Review has quickly become the most quoted alternative newspaper in El Paso. It carries interviews from important artists in the city and nation; the on-going series, edited by Bridge Director David Romo, of articles mapping the cultural psychology of our region; the musings of poet and publisher Bobby Byrd; reviews of art, music and books; and everything else of importance to the arts scene in El Paso. Most importantly, the Bridge Review rattles the cage of the status quo.