Left Cultures #4

Inside:

"It was a time for understanding that culture was (and is) a weapon, a powerful, attractive, inclusive weapon to use in making people think"

So writes Boff Whalley in his excellent introduction to issue four of Left Cultures. Left Cultures is such a joy to read, because its pages are full of moments where people interact with culture in such a way that it changes them: their thought patterns, life trajectory, objectives... everything! Art can do that, music certainly can, and poetry, dance, film, performance. literature... they all have the power to change the way we think - they can all be powerful, attractive, inclusive weapons.

In among these pages, you'll find inspiration in the form of Paula Rego's illustrations, folk song covers by The Mekons, poetic solidarity on the picket line, joyous, leftist '80s synth pop, the quiet space of a local library, and global activist and honorary Welshman, Paul Robeson.

I am quite humbled to find myself among these pages, with a story i submitted that involves photographer Syd Shelton, who gave a talk last year in Bradford on his role in Rock Against Racism. One of the things that stuck with me, was his insistence that joy was a central ingredient to RaR's success. Joy feels like a vital ingredient in this issue of Left cultures too - it comes from an overwhelming feeling of positivity you get reading these stories of hope, resistance, awakening, and inspiration. These may feel like dark times, but there is light here, and it burns brightly.

Expect:

Left Cultures is a contemporary space that champions all kinds of voices on the Left, whether they be Socialist, Communist, Anarchist or anything in between. 

Size: 180 x 250mm

Pages: 120