Shifter is a topical magazine that aims to illuminate and broaden our understanding of the intersections between contemporary art, politics and philosophy. The magazine remains malleable and responsive in its form and activities, and represents a diversity of positions and backgrounds in its contributors.

History

Originally conceived as an online magazine in order to create an inter-continental “commons,” Shifter now engages in a multiplicity of formats including printed magazines, public dialogues and exhibitions. This has allowed for extended discourse and additional access to Shifter’s content by diverse audiences.

Shifter was first published in 2004 by its founding editor, Sreshta Rit Premnath. Issues 11 to 16 saw a series of guest co-editors including Steven Lam, Jane Jin Kaisen, Kajsa Dahlberg, Avi Alpert, Abhishek Hazra and Warren Neidich. Beginning with Shifter 17 in 2011 Matthew Metzger joined Shifter as a permanent co-editor.