Call-out for art writers

Journalism Development Programme: AVA & Church Street Art Node 2023

The African Arts Content agency, a non-profit arts journalism development entity, is running a programme in Cape Town from March to April. It is sponsored by the Spier Arts Trust and supported by the AVA gallery.

It is intended to benefit two unknown writers and one mid-career one based in this city. In line with previous programmes, run in Joburg in 2022 and 2021, the focus is on emerging artists. The writers will be asked to concentrate on events, artists and galleries located in the Church Street art node, as this has become one of the ideal destinations in Cape Town to explore the work of artists at this level.

As the AVA has set this character, through its support of entry-level and mid-career artists and has served as an anchor for the development of this city art node, it will function as a base for the writers. With an active exhibition programme, the AVA is the ideal venue for writers to find inspiration. They will each have a chance to be able to work from this space and soak up and feed off the environment.

The entry-level writers will be mentored by the prominent art commentator, consultant and arts ecosystem researcher Mary Corrigall.

The writers will be paid per story and will be expected to produce a minimum of two articles per month which will be published by our media partners. In line with this the articles are aimed at a broad audience and are intended to connect readers to the artists and art featured.

New writers need to have;

1. A background, experience, knowledge, or a degree in the visual arts.

2. Be able to demonstrate a sustained interest in writing and the South African art scene.

3. Be able to submit 3 examples of their writing (preferably on the visual arts).

A mid-career writer applying to participate in the programme needs to;

1. Have at least a five-year history of publishing articles on the visual arts or other art forms.

2. Be able to work independently to strict deadlines.

3. Be in possession of a portfolio of high-quality art writing or journalism.

4. Have experience in conducting interviews and translating them into entertaining features.

Interested writers can send their CVs, a motivation letter and examples of their writing or links to: africanartcontent@gmail.com BEFORE March 5, 2023