Critical Commons Art Writing Workshop

About the Critical Commons Art Writing Workshop

Participants in the Critical Commons Art Writing Workshop will meet to discuss contemporary art, further our understanding of critical arts writing, and practice our writing craft. Our focus will be on developing a critical mindset, sharpening our analytical and interpretive skills, and contextualizing criticism within the broader landscape of arts discourse and arts publishing.

For our inaugural public workshops, we will convene a cohort of 25 people across three weekends in late September and early October under the umbrella of Southwest Contemporary’s Critical Commons initiative. With professional development in mind, the workshop will be tailored to aspiring and early-career writers/critics, as well as early-career arts professionals looking to develop their skills in writing clearly and accessibly. Through hands-on instruction and collaborative discussions, artists, curators, writers, and arts workers alike will gain essential tools, skills, and best practices for crafting a well-considered exhibition review.

Additionally, the workshop cohort will have plenty of time to connect as peers and colleagues, provide each other with feedback, and spend time together as critical thinkers.

Over the course of four workshop sessions, participants will hear presentations from Southwest Contemporary‘s editorial team and SWC’s Visiting Critic, Darren Jones. They will also craft a short-format exhibition review and attend a group gallery walk.

Who Should Apply  

We welcome participants with a variety of interests and experiences in visual arts or culture writing, and no prior experience or formal education is necessary. This workshop will be tailored to aspiring and early-career writers/critics and early-career arts professionals, and we hope you have an interest in contemporary visual arts, art criticism, or cultural journalism. Anyone over the age of 18 in New Mexico who is able to attend all sessions in person in Santa Fe is invited to apply.

Workshop Session Schedule

This workshop will consist of four in-person sessions. Since capacity is limited, we ask that participants attend all four sessions to make the most of their experience. If you know that you cannot attend all sessions, please consider this before applying.

Workshop Session 1: September 21, 10 am-12 pm, @ Santa Fe Community Gallery.
Workshop Session 2: September 21, 1-3 pm, @ Santa Fe Community Gallery.
Workshop Group Gallery Walk: September 28, 10 am-12 pm, @ Santa Fe Railyard district.
Workshop Session 3: October 5, 10 am-12 pm, @ Santa Fe Community Gallery.

Important Dates

Applications are due August 30, 11:59 pm MDT.
Twenty-five applicants will be notified of their acceptance by September 6, 2024.

For more information and complete guidelines, see our Workshop Application Guide.