This is a collection of examples from the critical and theoretical journal October. From the outset, its aim has been to consider a range of cultural practices and to assess their place at a particular historical juncture. The problems associated with urban economies and its attendent social problems, as well as the more general predicaments of a postcolonial era, have had an impact on the cultural and discursive practices that are October's concern. Hence, October in its second decade has had a concern with the role of cultural production within the public sphere and a focus on the intersections of cultural practices with institutional structures. The general thrust of the work is that these concerns are increasing.