Runner Magazine began in April 2020 as a grassroots arts and culture publication for Detroit, Michigan. Growing out of a need for critical writing, and an impulse to acknowledge revolutionary spirits in Detroit, Runner has built a library of contributions by artists and thinkers who are influenced by the city’s brilliant history and current post-industrial condition.

Unlike caricatures of highly-populated cities, steady economic decline provided 21st century Detroit with access to vacant and disused spaces. This enabled a unique sense of creative autonomy, which can be observed in the radical movements and alternative lifestyles that emerged amongst the ruins. But despite the deep wells of underground talent that have come to define Detroit culture, limited documentation over the years has prompted assumptions of inactivity, as if there is a history-less period between the golden age of industrialization and now. Detroit has suffered isolation and neglect as a result, as well as a wavering confidence about its own place in the world.

Runner functions as a resource for an audience that is curious about the creative communities of Detroit and their voices in global conversations. Our multi-faceted approach to content creation has allowed us to explore the vast potentials of publishing both online and in print, and accommodate a dynamic number of practices. Although firmly rooted in Detroit City, our in-depth research has prompted connections and collaborations worldwide. These national and international partnerships further broaden the reach of the magazine while introducing local readers to outside perspectives.

Inspired by the strawberry runner’s above ground horizontal propagation, Runner Magazine aims to expand the network, linking cutting-edge artists and thinkers in Detroit with like-minded creatives around the world.

Founder and Lead Editor
Ashley Cook

Editorial Team
Marissa Jezak
Kellen MacGregor

Advisory Board
Lee Ambrozy
Chris Pinter

Events
Sarah Cohen

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