The twenty-second edition of the OT comes out this Monday 29 July. This issue focuses on the importance of the city as a site of anti-capitalist resistance. OT22 features a number of articles, graphics and a front cover by Christos Kourtoglou exploring the role of the urban in political, economic and social life.
Alberto Duman’s essay presents the city as a site of value accumulation and speculation. The Wine & Cheese Society have written on the false dichotomy of public vs private and how we should view the state’s role in the workings of the city. The recent rise of housing action groups are documented and Mark Kauri and Sara Cameron – two of our editors – have both written on different aspects of the theme.
Our regular interview series, Preoccupying, this issue allowed us to ask David Harvey a number of questions. He discusses some of the ideas he has spent a career describing and expands on the central theme of the ‘right to the city’.
A number of us were lucky enough to visit Grow Heathrow recently. The interview that we were able to get whilst there is included in this issue, covering subjects from resilience and permaculture on the edge of the city to offering valuable insight into alternative modes of living and production.
Our now regular infographic feature continues. This issue we have attempted to provide information to those attempting to resist the bedroom tax. Whilst not in depth legal advice, we hope to be able to inform those worried about losing their homes due to the implementation of the scheme. Downloadable high resolution versions will also be found on our website for people to use as they see fit.
Towards the back, OT illustrator Alex Charnley has created a full page comic titled Memoirs of Capital. It paints a bleak image of the existence faced by so many people being forced out of our communities.
Copies of OT22 will be distributed at events and within communities throughout the next two months. You can also find us on the shelves of various outlets across the capital, including Housmans,Ray’s Jazz Cafe, Banner Repeater, 56a,Freedom Bookshop and the London Review Bookshop. The full list of stockists can be found on the OT Stockists Map on our website.
We’re still very keen for more people to get involved with the production of the OT. If the idea of countless hours of unglamorous labour building alternative media is something that appeals to you, maybe you would be interested in getting involved with the OT editorial team. Please do fire us an email at occupiedtimes@gmail.com if interested.
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