I'm thrilled to be given this opportunity, and excited to shine a spotlight on the people that make the artistic heart of the City Different pump with its unique brand of creativity.

Prior to being named SFR’s Arts & Culture Editor, I had a healthy run in another alt-weekly, San Diego CityBeat, where I exposed readers to the underground world of charrería, told the story of the ballsiest lucha libre star I’ve ever encountered, kicked it with Larry Flynt on his 69^th birthday; managed to go viral, and snagged a few awards to boot. It was also in San Diego that I started my own arts collective and not only staged a series of thought-provoking, out-of-the-box shows, but also managed to re-energize the local art scene and save a historic downtown mural en route.

Building upon this momentum, I look forward to becoming your go-to guy for everything Santa Fe A&C related.

A publication should serve its readership, so do not hesitate in sharing your two cents. Is there a local artist or burgeoning homegrown movement that has not gotten the ink it deserves? In terms of coverage, what are we doing well and what can we do better? Email me directly at culture@sfreporter.com and let me know.

Coordinating not only visual and performing arts coverage, but film, music, food and calendar as well can be a bit daunting; so in order to streamline the often tedious listing system, I am asking that all press releases and media alerts be sent in two weeks prior to desired publication date. That has always been the rule here at SFR, though it has not always been enforced. Complying will assure that your listing gets published, and it will make for a more comprehensive and all-inclusive calendar.

Also, gallerists, promoters, et al. make sure to update your contact list. Emails still addressed to Matthew I can handle, but Patricia? Come on.

From the lowbrow to the high—and just about every single niche in between—I look forward to curating this dynamic, ever-changing section, and hope to steadily earn your trust, acquire a following, and be accepted as one of your own along the way.