Arts Worker Horror Story Writer

Fractured Atlas

Location: Online
Commission: One 750–900-word article
Fee: $750
Application deadline: 17 September 2026, 23:59 ET
Writer notified: 22 September 2026
First draft deadline: 13 October 2026
Final draft deadline: 20 October 2026

Fractured Atlas is commissioning an artist or arts worker to write a 750–900-word article about their own arts-sector horror story.

The article should reflect on a difficult, unsettling or exploitative professional experience while centring the writer’s growth, resilience and learning.

About the Commission

Arts workers frequently operate outside standard employment structures and may lack access to conventional workplace protections. This can expose them to financial and physical risks, harassment, unpaid labour, unsafe working conditions and unexpected costs.

Through this commission, Fractured Atlas aims to create an expression of solidarity between arts workers while drawing attention to the precarious conditions affecting the cultural sector.

Potential subjects might include exploitative employers, unsafe working environments, unpaid overtime, unexpected taxes or clients who disappear when payment becomes due.

Eligibility

The opportunity is open to anyone who identifies as an arts worker and has a professional horror story to share.

Applicants may work in any artistic discipline or area of the cultural sector, including:

• Artists;
• Theatre technicians;
• Freelance creative practitioners;
• Arts administrators;
• Cultural workers; and
• Other people working across the arts.

Applicants should confirm that they are available to complete the first and final drafts according to the stated schedule.

Selection

The commissioned writer will be chosen randomly from the pool of complete expressions of interest.

To be included in the selection, applicants must answer every question in the interest form thoughtfully and provide all requested information.

The selected writer will be notified on 22 September 2026.

Commission Schedule

The writer will have three weeks to prepare the first draft, which is due on 13 October 2026.

Fractured Atlas’s External Relations team will then provide feedback and revisions. The final article will be due on 20 October 2026.

The organisation’s Associate Director, Creative will be available by email, telephone or Zoom to provide feedback and creative support throughout the process.

Publication and Payment

The selected writer will receive a $750 fee once the first draft has been completed. Payment will be made by ACH deposit or cheque, and the writer will be required to complete a W-9 form.

The article may be published and shared through Fractured Atlas’s:

• Website;
• Instagram;
• Newsletter; and
• Other marketing and community-building channels.

The writer will be credited by name wherever the article appears. Their website and social media accounts will also be included where possible.