Did you know that we at BSR have published more than 60 writers in 2023? Some of them have been in the business for decades and have regular bylines in major local and national outlets; some of them are writing professionally for the first time.
Today, we're hearing from two of them. Emily B. Schilling is an essayist and visual arts writer who began writing for us just last year; Cameron Kelsall, who covers music and theater, has written more than 400 BSR pieces since he started with us in 2017.
Here's what Emily has to say:
"It's an honor to be among Broad Street Review's freelance writers, learning about Philadelphia's spectacular art-makers and organizations, and contributing to the cultural conversation. As one of the many people grieving losses during the pandemic, I've directly felt the power of art to help heal our hurts, expand our experience, and transform our lives. BSR is where I find out what's happening in and around our town. A lean team of smart, hardworking, caring people, BSR's editors provide a valuable resource for Philadelphia, for the writers and readers, and for the creative artists themselves. I can't imagine the city without Broad Street Review."
Here's what Cameron has to say:
"In 2023, Broad Street Review continued doing what it does best: providing the most thorough, comprehensive coverage of the arts in Philadelphia that you'll find anywhere. At a time when other publications regularly jettison reporting on theater, music, fine arts, and the other cultural institutions that make our city great, BSR has become the first stop for those who value informed perspectives in these vital areas. As a writer, I have always valued the freedom of collaboration that BSR and its editors foster, and the diverse viewpoints on display from my many colleagues. This work is a labor of love, but it cannot be sustained without the generous support of our donors, who ensure that the writers are fairly compensated and the website remains free of paywalls—both noble goals in the current moment. As you consider your end-of-year contributions, I hope you'll find room to support the essential work BSR continues to do."
We love our writers' community, and wish we had room to spotlight dozens more here! If you've been enjoying work by Emily, Cameron, or any of our excellent writers, support them with a gift to BSR.
You can make it a one-time gift of any size (we're a small organization; every gift matters), or you can join the growing Friends of BSR (starting at just $5/month, a single $60 donation per year). But our costs (including our web presence, our growing team of dedicated editors, writers, and other professionals, and our popular events) have risen, while traditional institutional supports shift and shrink. That's why we're also rolling out our Local Media Champions program, for donors who give $19/month, in honor of BSR's 19th anniversary in 2024. Visit any Donate to BSR link and select “monthly” above the "Amount" menu, then select "Local Media Champion." Together, let’s keep arts journalism going, and build new opportunities for our staff, readers, and partners—like you.
And join us THIS Wednesday, December 20 at 6pm ET for our annual Year-end Recommend chat on Zoom. We'll hear from our senior staff, writers, Friends, and other readers about their top media recommendations, including books, TV, podcasts, and more.