We want to hear from writers, artists, and critics who are paying attention to what’s happening across Atlantic Canada. That might mean spending time with an artist’s work, spending time with a show, or following an idea that keeps unfolding. We’re interested in writing that feels close to the work and rooted in the Atlantic region.

We publish features, profiles, and exhibition reviews.

We also commission online-only pieces throughout the year. These can be a good way to respond to something more immediate, whether that’s an exhibition, event, or a conversation that’s still developing.

As always, we prioritize work that challenges white supremacy and colonialism. Our approach is grounded in anti-oppression and anti-racism, and we support Indigenous sovereignty, Black liberation, Queer positivity, and gender diversity.

Pitch deadline: May 8, 2026
Draft deadline: June 10, 2026
Release date: September 15, 2026

You can find writers guidelines here.

Submit your pitch through this link.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Andrea at publisher@visualarts.ns.ca

Visual Arts News turns 50 this year. We want to mark the milestone by widening the circle.

We’re inviting writers, artists, and critics to pitch smart, generous stories that deepen conversations around Atlantic art and culture. Surprise us. Challenge us. Bring forward practices, places, and people that haven’t had enough light. Profiles, features, and exhibition reviews are all welcome.

We especially encourage pitches that unsettle the defaults of the art world and rethink how stories are told. We prioritize work that pushes back against white supremacy and colonialism. We are committed to anti-oppression and anti-racism, and we support Indigenous sovereignty, Black liberation, Queer positivity, and gender diversity.

If you’re new to pitching, that’s okay—introduce yourself, share a few lines about your idea and why you’re the one to write it. If you’re a seasoned contributor, bring us the piece you’ve been itching to do.

Key dates

• Pitch deadline: October 29, 2025
• Draft deadline:  December 5, 2025
• Issue release: March 15, 2026 

For more information

Submit your pitch here. 

Fifty years in, we’re still hungry for new voices and fresh ways of seeing. 

Help us shape the next chapter.

We will also consider pitches for our online-only content. These stories are published to our website in months when no print publication is issued. There are eight to ten online-only articles each calendar year. This can be a great opportunity to cover more time-sensitive shows, events or subjects.

Contact Andrea at publisher@visualarts.ns.ca or Ross at editor@visualarts.ns.ca with any questions. 

We are seeking an Editor for Visual Arts News. This is a freelance contract position to start September 8, 2025. The first print issue under the new Editor will be Spring/Summer 2026. The Editor should have knowledge of the communities of artists, galleries and institutions in the Atlantic region, and a curiosity to learn more. The ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of a collaborative team. They will share an excitement and enthusiasm for telling stories that shine light on the art and artists who live and work in this part of the world.

Visual Arts News is a bi-annual print magazine that explores contemporary art practices in Atlantic Canada, on the unceded and unsurrendered lands of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Inuit, Innu, and the Southern Inuit of NunatuKavut. Published in Mi’kma’ki, Visual Arts News is a community-driven publication that seeks to enliven culture and keep record while supporting and celebrating the many overlapping communities in the Atlantic region, particularly those that have been historically ignored. We prioritize work that pushes back against white supremacy and colonialism because we are committed to supporting anti-oppression, anti-racism, Indigenous sovereignty, Black liberation, and sexual and gender diversity.

We strive to be accessible, accountable, and responsive. Visual Arts News is an ongoing conversation inspired by the artistic vision of emerging and established artists and writers who are pushing the boundaries of art and culture in Atlantic Canada.  Written in a clear, sophisticated style by talented arts writers in the region, Visual Arts News strives to reflect the diversity of our geographic and cultural communities. www.visualartsnews.ca.

We are committed to employment equity, and we will prioritize applications from those who self-identify in their application as Indigenous Peoples, Black, Persons of the Global Majority, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers to Canada and/or Persons with Disabilities. If you are a member of a group that has been historically excluded from opportunities, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume. We are committed to accommodating those with disabilities at any stage of the hiring process. Information related to accommodation measures will be treated in confidence.

Visual Arts News is created and distributed as a program of Visual Arts Nova Scotia. It’s a cornerstone and a calling card for the organization.  At the same time, the magazine ia vibrant and engaging record for visual arts in the Atlantic region.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants must be current residents of the Atlantic Region (NS, NB, NFLD, PEI)

The successful applicant will possess skill in writing and editing, and will be a strong verbal communicator. Knowledge and interest in the visual arts in Atlantic Canada and beyond is essential. Journalism and/or communications experience is an asset as well as an undergraduate degree in the arts, or equivalent experience.

Duties

In consultation with the Editorial Committee, the Editor is responsible for developing online and print magazine content. In conjunction with the Publisher, the Editor coordinates all aspects of publication development, and pre-press preparations including story and image selection, and copy editing. The Editor works closely with the Art Director and freelance writers, and is responsible for surveying and keeping abreast of significant developments in the visual arts in the region. For each print issue, the Editor is responsible for writing the Editorial for each print edition of magazine, and may submit content for the print editions or online content (which would be compensated separately).

The Editor is encouraged to represent Visual Arts News at conferences, book fairs, and art events if and when possible.  The Editor should have strong communication and organizational skills and be able to work independently to deadlines. Knowledge of design and related printing processes are an asset.

There is office space available for the Editor at the VANS office (1113 Marginal Rd., Halifax, NS)  The position may be remote, in whole or in part depending on the location and preference of the successful candidate.

This is a freelance contract position starting September 8, 2025.

The Editor reports to the Publisher.

The fee for this contract is $8000, annually.

Any additional articles written by the Editor would be compensated at the same rate as other writers under separate contracts. The current rate for Writers is $275 per article.

We thank all candidates for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted starting on May 15, 2025.

To apply, please send your resume, a cover letter and one piece of writing, as a single PDF to the attention of the Hiring Committee by email to publisher@visualarts.ns.ca

Application deadline: May 1, 2025     

Position to start: Sept. 8, 2025

For this open call, we are seeking pitches for features, profiles, and exhibition reviews.

We prioritize work that pushes back against white supremacy and colonialism. We are committed to anti-oppression and anti-racism practices, and we support Indigenous sovereignty, Black liberation, Queer positivity and gender diversity. The team at Visual Arts News is eager to hear from writers, artists and critics to expand and deepen conversations inspired by the artistic vision of emerging and established artists who are pushing boundaries. For more Writers’ Guidelines click here.

Pitch deadline: May 10, 2024
Draft deadline: June 15, 2024
Release date: Sept 15, 2024

Please submit pitches using this form.

https://forms.gle/G8xjYeT3oKtD1ex97

THANKS TO ALL WHO APPLIED.

Visual Arts News magazine is seeking a Copy Editor.

Visual Arts News is a magazine that explores contemporary art practices in Atlantic Canada, on the unceded and unsurrendered lands of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Inuit, Innu, and the Southern Inuit of NunatuKavut. Published in Mi’kma’ki, Visual Arts News is a community-driven publication that seeks to enliven culture and keep record while supporting and celebrating the many overlapping communities in the Atlantic region, particularly those that have been historically ignored. We prioritize work that pushes back against white supremacy and colonialism because we are committed to supporting anti-oppression, anti-racism, Indigenous sovereignty, Black liberation, and sexual and gender diversity. We strive to be accessible, accountable, and responsive. Visual Arts News is an ongoing conversation inspired by the artistic vision of emerging and established artists and writers who are pushing the boundaries of art and culture in Atlantic Canada.

We publish two print issues per year, Spring and Fall. Newsstand dates for the current year are March 15 and September 15. Visual Arts News is printed by Rocket Print. Each issue is 48 pages (32 full colour, 16 black/white) and distributed by Prescott Group through Canada Post to VANS members, subscribers, regional galleries, advertisers, writers and others. Issues include 10 – 12 articles.

The Copy Editor will:

·  Understand and consistently reflect the voice of individual writers in the editing process.

·  Be proficient in applying style guides to the writing of multiple writers.

·  Practice excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·  Have basic knowledge of legal issues in publishing. (libel, plagiarism, etc)

·  Have a positive, collaborative approach to the work.

Visual Arts News House Style*

For spelling, refer to The Canadian Oxford Dictionary (latest edition).

For style, refer to The Chicago Manual of Style (most up-to-date available edition, print or online). Some highlights and exceptions are noted below.

For reference, also see:

consciousstyleguide.com

diversitystyleguide.com

Elements of Indigenous Style, Greg Younging

Visual Arts News writing should be plain-speaking and inclusive. Those not entrenched in the arts community should be able to read and understand what’s going on, so the use of jargon or overly complex “art speak” should be avoided.

Position Details:

This is a contract position, to be renewed annually.

The fee is $600/issue.

The work for each issue will take place over a period of about three weeks, approximately two months ahead of the newsstand date. The Copy Editor will proofread and edit text after initial review/edit by the Editor, Shannon Webb-Campbell.

The first period of work will begin on or about January 10, 2024.

To apply, send your resume and a cover letter as a single PDF to publisher@visualarts.ns.ca.

STATEMENT OF INTENTION

VANS is committed to employment equity, and we will prioritize applications from those who self-identify in their application as Indigenous Peoples, Black, Persons of the Global Majority, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomers to Canada and/or Persons with Disabilities.

If you are a member of a group that has been historically excluded from opportunities, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter or resume. We are committed to accommodating those with disabilities at any stage of the hiring process.

We are seeking to fill the position as soon as possible. The call will remain open until the position is filled. Please direct any questions to Andrea Ritchie, Publisher at publisher@visualarts.ns.ca.

*Complete guide available on request.

Craft is an artform which takes a physical object or artefact – for example: wood, clay, ceramics, beadwork, basketmaking, glass, textiles – but then there’s the word meaning the skill of producing that object. Why is process important to craft? How does a craftsperson become an artist, and craft becomes an art form? What is the difference between fine art and craft? How has the definition of craft changed or evolved over time?  What is craft from a feminist perspective?

What are the interwoven and intersectional craft histories in Mi’kma’ki? How does craft inform our identities, pedagogies, and sense of place? What does craft show us about the past, present and future of art?

We’re curious to hear from writers, artists and critics in order to expand, respond and deepen conversations inspired by the artistic vision of emerging and established artists who are pushing the boundaries of art and culture in the Atlantic.  We are seeking pitches for features, profiles and exhibition reviews, and prioritize work that pushes back against white supremacy and colonialism because we are committed to supporting anti-oppression, anti-racism, Indigenous sovereignty, Black liberation, and sexual and gender diversity. 

Pitch deadline: September 15, 2022

Draft deadline: October 28, 2022

Release date: January 20, 2033

Pitches should be submitted by email to editor@visualarts.ns.ca

Pitch deadline: January 16, 2022

Draft deadline: February 28, 2022

Release date: May 21, 2022

Pitches should be submitted by email to editor@visualarts.ns.ca

Some ideas/words that come to mind that stem from “solitude”: privacy; outsiders; restoration/recuperation; landscape/geography; isolation; power and growth; loners and the myth of the artist as the solitary genius.

Pitch deadline: March 15, 2021

Draft deadline: April 16, 2021

Release date: June 21, 2021

Pitches should be submitted by email to editor@visualartsnews.ca

Precarious work, burnout, funding, selling, it’s all about the hustle and the grind in Art & Labour – the Summer 2020 theme of Visual Arts News, because art doesn’t get a summer holiday

Call for Submissions:
Commissioned Artist Pages

Visual Arts News invites all Atlantic Canadian artists to create new works for our upcoming issue of the magazine.

ELIGIBILTY: Open to all Canadian Atlantic Canadian artists. Accepted work will be highlighted as a two page colour spread printed within the magazine for distribution (1000 copies).

FEES: Artists will receive an honorarium of $500. Plus materials costs (up to $500)

SUBMISSIONS must include:

• Short description/sketches of proposed work including how it will be inserted into the magazine
• Budget for materials
• 5 – 10 images of previous work (jpegs or link to a website)
• Artist statement and CV

DEADLINE: Submissions must be received by email to director@visualarts.ns.ca on or before 5:00 pm, on Monday January 20, 2020.

Call for Pitches

We’re looking for pitches, ideas, stories and exhibitions about the intersections of Art and Labour in Atlantic Canada. Review an upcoming exhibition touching on our theme, profile an artist who’s engaged in labour dialogues or who has a great take on how they’ve sustained their art work on the East Coast. Write an essay on the effect of the art market on creative practices, or discuss the different approach artists take in hustle-heavy cities vs. the approach of artists in more rural Atlantic communities.

We’d love to hear from new and seasoned writers, artists, students, and critical thinkers from New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
Pitching

Features (1,000-3,000 words), exhibition reviews (500-750 words) and artist profiles (500-1,500 words) are the most popular stories we accept. Pitches should be submitted by email to editor@visualartsnews.ca along with a brief bio and a writing sample. Please see our website for more information.

Pitches will be accepted until January 15th, 2020. First drafts are due February 25th. The Spring 2020 issue will be published May 17th.

Exhibition Listings

Have an upcoming exhibition in Atlantic Canada or featuring Atlantic Canadian artists? Send us your exhibitions listings!

Listings deadlines for exhibitions on view Jan 23 – April 30, 2020: January 13 to be considered for review in our Summer Art & Labour issue on newsstands May 20, 2020. And to be added to our online exhibition listings.