When Xuezhu Jenny Wang set out to create IMPULSE Magazine, her goal was more than just launching a publication. She wanted to create a space where immigrant voices could not only be heard but also empowered. Through IMPULSE, Wang is shining a light on the experiences of immigrant artists, whose struggles with documentation, displacement, and personal hardship are often overlooked in the broader art world.
“At IMPULSE, we are driven by storytelling,” Wang explains. “We’re a women-led publication, committed to bringing marginalized voices to the forefront of the creative industry. Our focus is on immigration and gender rights, and how those intersect with the world of art.”
The creation of IMPULSE came at a critical juncture. In late 2023, while serving as the writer-in-residence for The Immigrant Artist Biennial, Wang was interviewing immigrant artists who were juggling the pressures of documentation and personal challenges. The reality hit her hard. Many of these artists were caught in a whirlwind of visa issues, particularly with the O-1 visa process, known for its stringent requirements on extraordinary ability.
“It wasn’t just about their art,” Wang recalls. “It was about survival. These artists weren’t just facing creative roadblocks but personal and legal battles, and it became clear to me that something had to be done to give them a stronger platform.”
IMPULSE Magazine emerged as a response. With a focus on providing a platform for immigrant artists in the run-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Wang aimed to raise awareness of the complexities these artists face in a world that often overlooks them. IMPULSE became a place for telling these untold stories and advocating for real, systemic change.
One of the magazine’s core projects is its “Migration in Dialogue” series. This initiative fosters conversations between artists, legal experts, and thought leaders, diving deep into the intricacies of immigration policies, border disputes, and the displacement of artists globally. Figures like Atreya Mathur from the Center for Art Law have contributed crucial insights into the O-1 visa process, while artist Reiko Fueting, a professor at the Manhattan School of Music, has shared his personal story of migrating from East Germany to the U.S.
“Migration in Dialogue is about capturing the emotional landscapes of these artists. We’re showing how displacement, border conflicts, and bureaucracy impact the very core of their creativity,” says Wang.
While the magazine focuses on highlighting the raw realities that immigrant artists face, it also emphasizes resilience and hope. The stories shared in IMPULSE reveal not just the struggles but the determination and creativity that push these artists forward, despite the obstacles in their paths.
Since founding IMPULSE, Wang has kept her mission clear: to build a community where immigrant artists can thrive. By telling their stories, providing legal resources, and offering a space for these artists to connect with one another, IMPULSE has become more than just a magazine. It’s a lifeline for artists navigating complex systems that often feel impossible to navigate alone.
“Art isn’t just about what you create. It’s about where you’ve been and where you’re going,” Wang says. “For many immigrant artists, that journey is more complicated than most people realize. That’s why we’re here, to make sure their voices are heard and their work is seen.”