September – December 2015

To further develop critical art writing in this region, Visual Arts News will host a Writer-in-Residence in partnership with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS). The residency will be open to emerging critical writers for a 4-month residency/internship and is designed to help develop and promote the work of emerging art critics.

The successful applicant will hone writing and editing skills while learning production procedures at Visual Arts News and the AGNS Journal. This introduction to art-magazine publishing and writing is intended to foster new editorial and critical talent.

Working closely with the Visual Arts News Editorial committee and mentorship from our Editor and the curators at the AGNS, the writer will receive valuable experience in writing about art, magazine publishing, art criticism and social media management. There will also be opportunities to meet with guest mentors involved in Canadian art publishing who will be visiting Halifax in the fall 2015.

The Writer-in Residence can explore art writing in a multitude of ways. They will have a space for writing and access to the Resource Library at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia including archive materials. They will also receive guide training at the AGNS which will give them access to artists and curators and learn an investigative approach to exploring exhibitions.

The WIR will attend editorial committee meetings; write online content (3 posts minimum); manage social media and publish one article for print publication for Visual Arts News and one for the AGNS Journal. They will also have the opportunity to conduct independent research and develop other art writing.

The WIR will receive an honorarium of $3000 and will devote 15 hours a week to the residency over 4-months.

Eligibility

• Must be a resident of Nova Scotia.
• Must be able to live in Halifax for 4-month period (Sept – Dec 2015) – accommodation not provided.
• Applicants must have published no more than two exhibition reviews or one article in a magazine or journal. Writers are not disqualified for having written for personal blogs or student publications.
• Applicants must hold a post-secondary degree/diploma; a BFA or related degree in writing, journalism or art history is preferable. Must have a familiarity with visual arts and an interest in critical studies.

Application Process

• Cover letter
• Two writing samples – reviews/articles of exhibitions between 500 -750 words.
• A current CV

Deadline: Submissions must be received by 5:00pm, August 14, 2015.

Email applications to vanews@visualarts.ns.ca

The Writer-in-Residence program is made possible through project support from the Halifax Regional Municipality.