Welcome to Blue, Red and Grey
New writing on art and culture of Wales and beyond, writing on writing, and writing about writing on writing.
Twelve years ago this weekend saw the launch of Wales Arts Review. But as that esteemed journal, which I co-founded and very proudly edited for ten years of its twelve, packs its bags and switches off the lights, what better way to look to the future than to kick out this new shiny, simple, newsletter, where I will be writing thoughts and reviews and comment pieces about the arts and culture in and around Wales. It looks as though I just can’t help myself.
It’s obviously going to be a much more relaxed and random affair than Wales Arts Review, which always has ambitions to be the cuter “paper of record” for Wales. Blue, Red and Grey will be a newsletter designed for the times and for the reading habits of a complicated world. The priority is to have some fun.
The name is not very Welsh, I grant you, and there is no suggestion that the function of the contents of the tin are exactly described by the writing on that tin’s exterior. Indeed, the name does nothing more that bring to mind the beautiful 1975 song by The Who, the narrator of which, like me, is a man who “likes every minute of the day”. I aim to take that vibe of positivity into this newsletter. And this newsletter, when not occasionally railing against the system, will be championing artists and writers I admire and work that excites me.
If you have received this welcome email, chances are you are a subscriber to Wales Arts Review. And if Wales Arts Review was my band, then think of this as me going solo. It won’t be for everyone, and please do unsubscribe without any hard feelings if you aren’t in to it. But for the first few months, everyone will get a free trial, before a tiered subscription will be introduced that will still include a free option.
The arts in Wales is looking down the barrel of a very dark few years (mainly due to funding cuts), but I think there remains an audience out there for good writing about it. So that’s what I aim to do. I hope you’ll stick with me.
Blue, Red and Grey is going to be a substack newsletter only (there will be an archive of articles on the substack website as it goes along). But I’m not going to waste time and energy fighting with the dogs of algorithm on the myriad social media sites that at one time someone like me would have relied on for exposure and reach. Instead, you sharing Blue, Red and Grey to friends and family is the way this will grow and strengthen over time. And if you refer people to Blue, Red and Grey then you will qualify for bonuses (more details of this in the coming months when it’s set up).
In the meantime, welcome aboard, and enjoy being a part of the BRG readership from day one.
Gary Raymond is a novelist, author, playwright, critic, and broadcaster. In 2012, he co-founded Wales Arts Review, was its editor for ten years, and is currently its executive editor. His latest book, Abandon All Hope: A Personal Journey Through the History of Welsh Literature is available for pre-order and is out in May 2024 with Calon Books.