Art Guide New Writers’ Program: Emerging Writers’ Festival (EWF) & Art Guide Australia
Fee: 0.80 c/pw (for published writing)
Deadline: 30 April 2026 (midnight)
Location: Australia (nationwide, online components)
Duration: 12 months
About
EWF & Art Guide Australia present: Art Guide New Writers’ Program.
Art Guide recognises the important contribution of writers and critics to the conversations and ideas that are shaping culture, as well as the need to foster a breadth and depth of voices at a time when there are fewer platforms for thoughtful and sustained perspectives on Australian art and artists.
In partnership with the Emerging Writers’ Festival, this year-long program offers three early-career art and culture writers the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and knowledge in the context of publication, collaborate with editors, and be compensated for their work.
The program aims to reflect the country’s geographical and cultural diversity, selecting writers across three different states/territories.
An online workshop on writing about art will also be offered, facilitated by editor-at-large Neha Kale and the Art Guide editorial team. The workshop introduces participants to the craft and possibilities of writing about art and includes time for questions about the program.
How it works
Three participants will be selected to work with the Art Guide editorial team over twelve months.
Participants will produce three standalone pieces of writing on art, including:
- One interview-led feature
- One response to an art exhibition
- One additional piece (with opportunity to pitch an original idea)
All writing will be published on Art Guide Australia online and paid at a rate of 0.80 c/pw.
Who can apply
The program is aimed at early-career or emerging writers from across Australia who are interested in writing about art and culture for a general audience and have not previously written for the magazine.
Writers from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
There are no age limits. Applicants must demonstrate a prior record of publication (between one and four published pieces, including up to one piece published on a newsletter or blog).
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate a clear interest in art and culture writing
- Outline how the program fits into their broader writing practice or career trajectory
- Indicate how the opportunity would benefit their long-term development
Writers working in academia should explain their interest in writing for a wider public audience.
How to apply
Apply via the form linked in the original listing.
Applicants should include:
- A brief cover letter
- A one-page CV
- A writing sample (maximum 1000 words)
The writing sample should showcase strengths and interests as a writer. The cover letter should outline engagement with art, motivations for writing about art, and how the program will support future development. It should also include one potential idea for a feature, essay, or profile suitable for the publication, with a rationale for its relevance.
Applications close 30 April 2026.
