Ok,
we were told not to be this transparent because it will scare away subscribers and donors.

But we want you to know the successes we’re proud of and where we need your help. Read on for a probably-too-granular breakdown to our 2023 budget.

Already convinced?

Subscribe now

2023 Expenses: $35,500

  • Ella Ray, Associate Editor part time stipend: $14,400
  • Amelia Rina, Editor in Chief part time stipend: $12,000
  • Jaime Salazar, Consulting Product Manager: volunteer/trade
  • Contract website developer: $2,000
  • Writers’ fees March–December: $1,500 ($150/month)
  • Cliff Notes writers’ fees March–December: $3,600 ($100/week)
  • Operating costs: $2,000

2023 Income: $38,252

Help us build sustainable income

So, what do all these numbers mean?

Thanks to the generosity of Critical Minded and our subscribers, Variable West will continue empowering the West Coast art community for another year!

Thinking about long-term sustainability, any additional revenue from 2023 will be put toward 2024’s budget. The goal is to be financially independent for many years to come.

How can you make a difference?

Set up a monthly subscription

Consistent monthly income is vital to paying writers and artists sustainable wages.

Can’t swing a subscription right now? Trust us, we get it. There are lots of other great ways to show us some love:

Do you love Love Letters? Are you a Pairings aficionado? Find your beat.

If you wear an artwork, does that make you a work of art? We think so.

Get the scoop on the most exciting West Coast art from the coolest locals.

We put all this great stuff on the internet so you can find it.

Connect with the most enthusiastic art enthusiasts. Let’s talk.

Directly support the writing you want to read. Coming soon!

We’re in this together.

It may sound hyperbolic, but we really think we can change the art world for the better.

The fact is, the art world has been dominated by white male opinions for centuries. It has a broken economic model that celebrates exploitation and systemic marginalization. We love art, and want to build the community we deserve.

Join us