Welcome to the first edition of Back&Beyond.

We have a fantastic line-up of material in this maiden issue with short stories and flash fiction from Sarah Fiske, Norman Hadley, Sarah Hilary and Sarah Schofield and poetry from Mike Barlow, Carole Coates, Rita Ray, Martyn Halsall, Kate Horsley, Catherine Nichols, Bryony Rogers, Ron Scowcroft and Iris Woodford.

Our article include the Snapshot Museum by Sonja Campbell - a remarkable project that will intrigue anyone who has ever held a camera or picked up an old photogaph. In addition, we have a look at some of the hidden architectural elements of Lancaster in Si Hawkesworth's Lancaster: City of Letters, and in As it Comes, Alice Angus illustrates the Lancaster's commercial history. Our centre spread looks at the impact of the cuts in art funding on the area's economy and culture. We also have photography from Si Miller and illustration from Ant Mercer.

'Just wanted to say your first publication of Back & Beyond is fabulous! Really interesting and inspirational. Visitors to the gallery (and staff) have really enjoyed it. It's great to see a true arts publication for the local area.' Sharon Burns (Arteria, Lancaster)

Finally, we profile four local artists - each with their own unique style and craft, and each making their own unique contribution to the arts.

Issue 1 can be picked up, free, in a wide variety of outlets in Lancaster and the surrounding area, as well as being available to download from this site in PDF format. We hope your enjoy issue 1.