How to balance conflicting themes and expectations – how to write about artists compellingly while also respecting the rights of subjects and their estates – will be one of the themes addressed in the second of our ABR Wednesday Forums, ‘Art and Life’. Speakers will include Janine Burke, Mary Lou Jelbart and Brenda Niall. The Forum will take place at 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 17 April, at 45downstairs in Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Full details are available on page 43. Bookings (via our friends at Readings) are essential.

Susan McCulloch-Uehlin, of The Australian, is another welcome new contributor. In her Commentary on page 31, she addresses the issue of copyright and the rights of art critics and artists’ estates, and recommends a bolder approach by magazine editors and book publishers.

We encourage new subscribers to get in early this month. The first five newcomers using the subscription form on page 10 will each receive a complimentary copy of the fourth edition of Australian Painting 1978–2000, edited by Bernard Smith, Terry Smith and Christopher Heathcote. The new edition is priced at $89.95. Daniel Thomas reviews it on page 18.

Meanwhile, in next month’s issue, I look forward to announcing details of a major new sponsorship. This partnership with one of the country’s great cultural institutions will enhance the magazine’s covers and content – starting in May.