Aesthetica

Aesthetica was founded by Cherie Federico and Dale Donley, while they were students at York St John University, in 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Aesthetica-Film-Festival-In-York-Given-BAFTA-Accreditation |title=Aesthetica Film Festival In York Given BAFTA Accreditation|work=Yorkshire Times|date=10 September 2014|access-date=11 October 2015}}

In 2003, the magazine expanded its distribution to Borders. By 2007, Aesthetica became available in WHSmith high-street stores and prominent galleries such as the ICA, Tate and National Portrait Gallery in London, Arnolfini in Bristol, and the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow.{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/1814762.display/|title=Cherie up for Brits award|work=York Press|access-date=11 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/stockists#galluk|title=Shop - Stockists|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}} In 2009, Aesthetica significantly expanded its distribution network and can now be found in major airports, train stations across the country, department stores like Selfridges and Harrods, and is exported to more than 20 countries worldwide.{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/stockists#galluk|title=Shop - Stockists|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}}

Aesthetica Magazine encompasses a wide range of subjects including art, design, architecture, fashion, film, and music. The publication features articles on notable new exhibitions worldwide and presents contemporary photography by both emerging and established practitioners The magazine has showcased the works of artists including Steve McQueen, Martin Creed,[http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/inclusive-practice "Inclusive Practice: Martin Creed"], "Aesthetica", 1 February 2013. Retrieved on 8 October 2014. Ai Weiwei,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/ai-weiwei-semantics-of-the-medium/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Ai Weiwei: Semantics of the Medium|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} Jenny Holzer,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/socialised-languages/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Socialised Languages|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} Alex Prager,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/evoking-narratives/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Alex Prager|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-GB}} Stephen Shore,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/unassuming-observations/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Unassuming Observations|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-GB}} Joel Meyerowitz,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/enhancing-life/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Enhancing Life|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-GB}} Cindy Sherman,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/cindy-sherman-challenging-representation/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Cindy Sherman: Challenging Representation|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-GB}} Viviane Sassen,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/fashion-abstraction/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Fashion Abstraction|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-GB}} and others.

The articles published in Aesthetica delve into various topics, such as the relationship between art and politics,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/socialised-languages/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Socialised Languages|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-GB}} the fusion of fashion and technology,{{Cite news|url=https://www.aestheticamagazine.com/towards-sustainability/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Towards Sustainability|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-GB}} contemporary minimalist design,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/dynamic-technologies/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Dynamic Technologies|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2018-06-11|language=en-GB}} and innovations in architecture.[http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/realigning-architecture "Realigning Architecture"], "Aesthetica", 1 April 2014.

A significant portion of Aesthetica Magazine is dedicated to photography, featuring photo essays by artists such as Richard Tuschman and Stephen Shore.[http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/art-design "Art & Design"], "Aesthetica" The publication has also showcased the works of photographers like Julia Fullerton-Batten, Maia Flore, Carolina Mizrahi, Formento & Formento, Ryan Schude, Natalia Evelyn Bencicova, Maria Svarbova, Brad Walls, Kevin Cooley, Emily Shur, Miles Aldridge, and Michael Wolf. Recent issues have featured cover photographs by creative duos including Sally Ann & Emily May, JUCO, Yossi Michaeli, Eugenio Recuenco, Daniel Korzewa, Jacques Olivar, and Jimmy Marble.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Aesthetica Magazine provides coverage of the exhibitions opening at major art institutions worldwide. The editorial team highlights exhibitions and their significance in the art world. Previous features have included exhibitions such as "Hello, my name is Paul Smith" at the Design Museum, London, "What is Luxury?" at the V&A, London, "The Future of Fashion is Now" at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, Frank Gehry's retrospective at Centre Pompidou; Mona Hatoum's retrospective at Tate Modern, a collection of Pierre Paulin's designs at Centre Pompidou, Jenny Holzer's site-specific commission at MASS MoCA, Anthony McCall at The Hepworth, Ai Weiwei at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Gregory Crewdson at The Photographers' Gallery, "The Future Starts Here" at the V&A and "Björk Digital" at Somerset House.{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/towards-hyper-reality/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Towards Hyper-Reality|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}}

Aesthetica Magazine focuses on architecture features that revolve around urban development, sustainability, geopolitics and adaptability. Previous articles have explored architects and events such as Frank Gehry,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/composed-architecture/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Composed Architecture|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} Venice Biennale,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/unified-construction/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Unified Construction|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} Bernard Tschumi,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/realigning-architecture/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Realigning Architecture|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} the Chicago Architecture Biennale,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/state-of-the-art/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - State of the Art|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} the Serpentine Pavilions and the RIBA Stirling Prize.{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/enduring-foundations/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Enduring Foundations|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} These features focus on architectural innovations, design concepts, and socio-political implications related to urban spaces, sustainability practices, and the evolving nature of architecture in response to contemporary challenges.

Aesthetica Magazine frequently showcases features on design, exploring various aspects such as social spaces, domestic solutions, and contemporary practices of the 21st century. The publication has covered significant design events including the London Design Biennale,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/fictitious-landscapes/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Fictitious Landscapes|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} the Shanghai Expo, the Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair and Surface Design Show.{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/universal-reflections/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Universal Reflections|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} In addition, Aesthetica publishes articles on new releases from prestigious publishing houses such as Prestel Publishing and Thames and Hudson, providing insights into design trends, innovations, and influential works in the field.

Aesthetica Magazine has extensively covered the realm of fashion, featuring designers and institutions in the industry. The publication has showcased designers from London Fashion Week. including emerging talents and established names. Notable designers such as Iris van Herpen,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/challenging-categorisation/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Challenging Categorisation|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} Viktor & Rolf,{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/sculpted-expressions-viktorrolf/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Sculpted Expressions – Viktor&Rolf|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}} Pauline van Dongen, Crafting Plastics!, and exhibitions from The Metropolitan Museum of Art have been prominently featured.{{Cite news|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/seizing-innovation/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Seizing Innovation|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=2017-07-25|language=en-GB}}

Aesthetica Magazine{{'}}s film section offers reviews and exploration of new films, with a particular emphasis on works of artistic merit. The publication has covered a diverse range of filmmakers including Alice Lowe, Ben Wheatley,{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/ben-wheatley |title=Ben Wheatley|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}} Richard Ayoade,{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/parallel-opposites|title=Parallel Opposites|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}} Atiq Rahimi,{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/exposing-secrets|title=Exposing Secrets|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}} and Michel Gondry. Aesthetica has reviewed films such as Pawel Pawlikowski's BAFTA-winning Ida, Yann Demange's BAFTA-nominated '71, and Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard's 20,000 Days on Earth, which won the Editing Award and the Directing Award at Sundance in the World Cinema Documentary category.{{cite web|title=20000 Days on Earth|url=http://www.20000daysonearth.com/film/|website=20000 Days on Earth|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706133120/http://www.20000daysonearth.com/film/|archivedate=2015-07-06}} Additionally, the film section often explores film festivals{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/edinburgh-international-film-festival|title=Edinburgh International Film Festival 2013|work=Aesthetica Magazine|date=30 June 2013|access-date=11 October 2015}} and features interviews with festival programmers, cinematographers, directors, writers, and other industry professionals, providing a comprehensive perspective on the world of cinema.{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/bafta-shorts-2013|title=BAFTA Shorts 2013 |work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}}

Aesthetica Magazine delves into various facets of music, exploring diverse topics such as the manipulation of found sounds,{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/found-sound|title=Found Sound|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}} the creation of music from video games,[http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/game-music-levels-up "Game Music Levels Up"], "Aesthetica", 1 April 2013. the influence of YouTube on the music industry, and the evolution of music videos.[http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/youtube-killed-the-video-star "YouTube Killed the Video Star"], "Aesthetica", 1 February 2013. The publication also covers subjects such as opera, dance music, instrument design, musical comedy, production techniques, and album packaging.{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/music|title=Music|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}} Furthermore, Aesthetica conducts interviews with acclaimed musicians, including award-winning artists like Alt-J,{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/alt-j|title=Alt-J|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}} CHVRCHES, Chelsea Wolfe, and Anna of the North, providing insights into their creative processes and perspectives on the contemporary music landscape.{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/submotion-orchestra |title=Submotion Orchestra|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}}

At the end of each magazine is the section "Last Words", which features work and a statement by a prominent artist. Previous artists include Cornelia Parker,{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/cornelia-parker-2|title=Cornelia Parker|work=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=11 October 2015}} Julio Le Parc, Marie Hald, Chiharu Shiota and Do Ho Suh.

Aesthetica also offers the Artists' Directory network for both emerging and established practitioners. This provides an opportunity for artists to connect with art collectors and gallerists.

The Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF) is an international film festival that takes place annually in York, England, in early November. Founded in 2011, it celebrates independent film from around the world, and is an outlet for supporting and championing filmmaking. The programme includes more than 400 film screenings and 100 events, such as masterclasses, networking sessions, panel discussions and an Industry Marketplace.

ASFF is also a BAFTA- and BIFA- Qualifying festival, meaning short films that are screened may be eligible for these awards.

The festival opens for entries on 1 December and closes on 31 May. ASFF accepts submissions from emerging and established practitioners, accepting short films across a range of genres including; Advertising, Animation, Artists’ Film, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Experimental, Fashion, Music Video and Thriller. Since 2018, ASFF has also accepted Feature Film entries over 60 minutes, as well as Virtual Reality and Immersive projects.

All films in the Official Selection are in competition to receive a number of awards. These awards recognize outstanding talent in filmmaking practice. The winning films are selected by a jury of industry experts, and are presented at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony.

The Aesthetica Art Prize is an annual award celebrating contemporary artists through exhibition and publication. Two prizes are awarded: Main and Emerging. The exhibition has taken place at York Art Gallery since 2017, and has exhibited works from practitioners including Magnum photographers, Turner Prize-nominees, RSA Film directors, World Press Photo winners and Prix Pictet nominees. The Prize attracts thousands of entries each year from countries including Australia, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Singapore, the UK and the USA. The judging panel has included representatives from BALTIC, Frieze, V&A, Guggenheim, British Council, Brooklyn Museum and FACT Liverpool.

Entries open in January and close on 31 August. The £10,000 Prize welcomes submissions across: Photographic and Digital Art; Three Dimensional Design and Sculpture; Painting, Drawing and Mixed-Media, and Video, Installation and Performance.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/art-prize/|title=Aesthetica Magazine - Aesthetica Art Prize|website=Aesthetica Magazine|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-07-25}}

The 16th edition of the Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition opened on 24 March 2023, and winners were announced from a shortlist of 21 artists. The Main Prize Winner was Larry Achiampong, and the Emerging Prize Winner was Hope Strickland. Other finalists included Bea Last, who created a site-specific installation in the Artist's Garden at York Art Gallery.

The Future Now Symposium is a two-day annual event. It brings together key institutions, galleries and publications for discussion surrounding pressing issues from the creative industries. Future Now describes itself as "a platform for idea generation" and includes debates, career advice and cultural engagement.

Originally launched in 2016, Future Now sessions are led by artists, curators, academics and representatives from cultural institutions in the UK such as Tate, Art Fund, Arts Council England, Whitechapel Gallery, Royal College of Art, Frieze, V&A, Getty Images Gallery, The Art Newspaper, Foam Amsterdam, RIBA, Magnum Photos, London Art Fair, The Design Museum, Serpentine Galleries, BALTIC, Creative Review, Photo London, Design Museum, Glasgow School of Art,{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticamagazine.com/art-prize/symposium/|title=Future Now: The Aesthetica Art Prize Symposium|website=Aesthetica Magazine|access-date=22 September 2016}} MoMA, High Museum of Art, Fondazione Prada, Gagosian, International Center of Photography, ICA Boston and British Council. Future Now's sixth edition was hosted completely online.

Topics have included: Arts Journalism is the Digital Age; How to Get Ahead as an Emerging Artist; Talent Development and Art Prizes; The Changing Face of the Art Institution; Environmental Photography: How Can Images Save Us?; Curating During a Time of Change; Documentary & Ethics: When is it Your Story to Tell?; Digital Ecologies: Three-Dimensional Storytelling; The Business of Art: The Future of Collecting; Decolonising the Art World; and Deep Fakes: Control and Subversion in Art. Speakers have included UK documentary photographer Martin Parr, Cornelia Parker (OBE, RA), Shirin Neshat, Athi-Patra Ruga, Bieke Depoorter, Turner Prize nominees Jane & Louise Wilson, Prix Pictet-winning artist and director Nadav Kander and Official War Artist John Keane.

The eighth edition of the Future Now Symposium took place in York, England, on 23 and 24 March 2023. It featured topics such as Designing The Future: VR & Multi-Sensory Experiences; What is the Future Of Photography?; and The Future Of Curation:Who Tells The Story? The programme focused on who, and what, is being represented in galleries today, amidst humanity's changing relationship with nature and technology. Featured speakers included Ingrid Pollard, Aziz + Cucher, Ori Gersht, Yuri Suzuki, Larry Achiampong, Hannah Starkey and Maryam Wahid, as well as galleries including Open Eye Gallery and Barbican Centre.

The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award is an international literary prize for established and emerging poets and writers.{{cite news|title=Short Stories|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/dear-unknown-soldier-imagine-you-could-read-my-letter-now-week-in-books-column-9798463.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016145309/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/dear-unknown-soldier-imagine-you-could-read-my-letter-now-week-in-books-column-9798463.html |archive-date=2014-10-16 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|website=The Independent}} Shortlisted entries are published annually in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Award Anthology;{{cite web|title=Lecturer's short story shortlisted for Creative Writing Award|url=http://www.beds.ac.uk/news/2014/november/lecturers-short-story-shortlisted-for-creative-writing-award|website=University of Bedfordshire}} whilst category winners receive a share of £5,000 prize money.

Call for entries open in January and close on 31 August, accepting entries across Poetry and Short Fiction.

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Category:2002 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:Bi-monthly magazines published in the United Kingdom

Category:Magazines established in 2002

Category:Mass media in York

Category:Visual arts magazines published in the United Kingdom