ISSUE 1
Since the Intergalactic Memorial Carnival for David Graeber in October 2020—initiated by Nika Dubrovsky and friends—five years have passed.
To mark this moment, we’re launching the DGI Magazine, which will help bring together the many formats we’ve been working in—artistic, intellectual, and activist—and offer a platform to continue developing David Graeber’s legacy, while also supporting the work of our friends and partner organizations.
Assembly: The Journal of the David Graeber Institute
1. Journal description
The DGI Journal is a space where David Graeber’s ideas can be explored, challenged, commented on. We’re creating an experimental platform where different genres—nonfiction, fiction, art criticism, academic writing, and hands-on reflections—can meet, mix, and influence each other.
We know that launching a periodical journal in the age of social media might seem a bit old-fashioned. That’s why we plan to experiment with formats: each issue will unfold gradually, with early previews and companion content on social media, multimedia elements in our online version, and events like exhibitions, reading groups, and public presentations built around the themes of the journal.
The journal will be published twice a year.
Each issue focuses on a specific theme related to David Graeber’s legacy and will feature both nonfiction and fiction.
Every issue will have a guest editor, and our editorial college will select invited contributors and review a limited number of submissions.
We’re now starting work on our first official issue (after our pilot/zero issue), dedicated to the theme of Poetic Technologies.
“By poetic technologies I refer to the use of rational and technical means to bring wild fantasies to reality. Poetic technologies, so understood, are as old as civilization.” — David Graeber
2. Style guide
We want sophisticated ideas, but written in an elegant, accessible style. Don’t use difficult technical jargon unless you have to. But if you have to, don’t be afraid of it — technical jargon can be very powerful! Just make sure it’s explained. Inspiration — David Graeber, of course.
If you quote sources, make sure you provide a footnote or end note, giving your source. Ideally use Chicago Notes and Bibliography style (don’t worry about including the place of publication – just the publisher’s name is fine).
Footnote or en note like this: Timothy Morton, Ecology Without Nature: Rethinking Environmental Aesthetics (Harvard University Press, 2007), 15.
Bibliography entry (at the end): Morton, Timothy. Ecology Without Nature: Rethinking Environmental Aesthetics. Harvard University Press, 2007.
5. Organisational Structure
The editorial structure of the DGI Magazine includes an Editor-in-Chief, Managing and Senior Editor, Editorial Board, Guest Editor, alongside the DGI team and a Editorial College.
6. Duration and Rhythm of the Project
The DGI magazine is an open-ended publication series, which is issued at regular intervals over time (around two issues per year) from the official launch of the DGI.