The Anonymous Creative Futures Report
75 artists and creators share their honest (anon) thoughts about 2025
Today marks the introduction of the first-ever Anonymous Creative Futures Report, an annual Metalabel-produced survey of honest thoughts from anonymous artists and creators about where we are and what’s ahead.
We’re releasing the report in two stages: first, as a limited edition physical newsprint, available to purchase today and shipping early next week (to US collectors only), and next week as a free, open-edition PDF available to all. Our friends in NYC will be able to find physical copies around the city next week too (stay tuned).
The Report features the perspectives of 75 artists and creators, including musicians, writers, digital artists, filmmakers, gallery artists, and Instagram creators, giving their honest reactions to five questions about the state of the creative world. The Report collects their answers, organizes them by theme, and presents them as a stream of consciousness oral history of the creative ecosystem as it stands now and what people hope it may be in the near future.
Discover what else artists and creators are feeling about the future by collecting one of 300 physical limited editions ($5 + $5 shipping, US-only).
Next week we’ll release the full report for all to read and share more of the findings behind it. Thanks to all of the artists and creators who participated.
If you’re a member of the press, you can request an advance digital copy by writing to hello@metalabel.com.
FEATURED RELEASES
ART & OBJECTS
AMoM
Longtime collaborators Nolen Strals (Post Typography) and Sarah Hromack (Soft Labor) have created AMoM — a clever détournement of MoMA's iconic logo. 100% of the proceeds generated by the AMoM release will directly benefit artists and art workers impacted by the LA fires. (Metalabel is donating its fee for this release to those being supported through this release.)
Eve & Franco Mattes, Stage 2 Ceiling Cat
When Eva & Franco Mattes' Ceiling Cat sculpture found its way onto the internet, someone transformed it into an “unofficial” Pokémon card. Now the artists have brought that anonymous creation full circle, releasing it as a holographic limited edition artwork that preserves both the original graphic and its endearing typos. Perfect.
Shikhar, Tanabana-e-Noor
The collective dhooop (sunshine in Hindi) has released a new work by artist Shikhar that literally weaves the digital and physical in a one-of-one piece made with electric waste. Just one of several exceptional pieces from the collective this week (look for more in next week’s newsletter).
MUSIC
Tim Story, Rust Smudges
Tim Story is a Grammy-nominated composer and sound artist with a catalogue of expansive soundscapes and new age scores that stretches back decades. In this wonderful box set release in conjunction with the label Curious Music, Story turns 35-year-old cassettes from his basement into tone poems of memory and time, stretching and contorting them into “smudges” that echo their source. Each tape is a unique evolution brought together in a collection limited to 50 editions. *Chef’s kiss*
PRINT PUBLISHING
Dirt x Night Gallery, Notes
Digital media rabble rousers Dirt Magazine and Brooklyn-based hyperniche merch-gods Night Gallery have birthed a supremely tender look into the lives of 100 artists via a portal that unites us all: the Notes app. From packing lists and class notes to unsaid romantic confessions and inner monologues waxing poetic, these artists and curators leave the full-spectrum of human experience on read.
Alleghany Sport
Most people know Pittsburgh for post-industrialism, Steelers football, and Andy Warhol. But Allegheny Sport & Outdoor Magazine reveals a different side of a region we’ve always loved: its rivers, its trails, and the outdoor life people enjoy in a beautiful landscape. Love this!
Designheads, Designheads DIY
A furniture recipe book for design lovers, sharing step-by-step instructions for creating lamps, chairs, shelves, and more. All recipes are made by world-class designers sharing their own tips and tricks, mixing practical guidance with a philosophy of self- and mutual-reliance. Think: The Joy of Woodworking or Julia Child with a handsaw. Limited to 50 collectors.
FILM
aWake
A bold feature film debut from Irish filmmaker Mark McAuley that pushes the boundaries of independent cinema. Shot in two continuous takes in a single location, this black and white psychological drama follows four characters confronting shared trauma after a funeral. Released on Metalabel in 100 collectible editions that includes a link to the trailer, an invitation to a Q&A, and a podcast interview with the director. Take a peek behind the curtain.
Metalabel is a release platform for creative work, built to help people create and share value together. We're creating new economic and operating models that help creative people cooperate rather than compete.
Peace and love,
Metalabel
would love to order from Germany 🥲