- Send applications to tina.barton@vuw.ac.nz with the subject line: Essays Editor Expression of Interest, no later than 5pm, Friday 27 November 2020.
The Aotearoa Public Gallery Directors’ Network (APGDN)* is partnering with ArtNow.NZ to support a series of fortnightly essays - new writing on contemporary art - that will be published on the ArtNow.NZ website. The project has been made possible through funding from Creative New Zealand and members of the APGDN.
APGDN is seeking expressions of interest from writers/editors interested in commissioning texts and coordinating their preparation for publication. This is a 12-month contract to publish a 1500 to 2000-word text each fortnight. You can access a role description below.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to apply their knowledge of the visual arts and to extend their connections within the art world, to work with writers to prepare engaging and informed texts on issues, themes, topics, exhibitions, events and practices that have currency in the contemporary art world.
The aim of this initiative is to provide an independent platform for new writing that generates discussion and provides insights into the work of artists, curators, galleries, institutions, and independent initiatives that encourage a broad range of readers to appreciate the critical role art plays in our times.
If you believe you have the skills and experience and are interested in this opportunity, please prepare a short statement with the following information:
• A description of your relevant experience
• A sample of your writing or editorial work
• A statement no longer than 500 words outlining your approach to the commissioning process and your goals for the Essays site
Send applications to tina.barton@vuw.ac.nz with the subject line: Essays Editor Expression of Interest, no later than 5pm, Friday 27 November 2020.
Expressions of interest will be reviewed by the editorial advisory established to provide oversight of this initiative. A shortlist of applicants will then be invited to interview for the position.
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Editorial Advisory:
• Tina Barton, Adam Art Gallery Te Pātaka Toi, Wellington (Chair)
• Anthony Byrt, independent writer
• Tyson Campbell, Artspace Aotearoa Auckland
• Abby Cunnane, The Physics Room, Christchurch
• Ioana Gordon-Smith, Pātaka, Porirua
• Hiraani Himona, Te Tuhi, Pakuranga
• Stephanie Post, ArtNow.NZ
• Hanahiva Rose, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth
*Aotearoa Public Gallery Directors’ Network (APGDN) is an informal consortium of publicly funded galleries from throughout Aotearoa New Zealand that meets occasionally to share knowledge and advice about their operations and find collective means to improve their organisations’ visibility, support the arts ecosystem in Aotearoa New Zealand, and foster audience engagement. The intention to establish a digital platform for good art writing in partnership with ArtNow.NZ was conceived during lockdown.
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ROLE DESCRIPTION
EDITOR
(Independent contractor, up to 312 hours @ $35 per hour (based on an average of 6 hours per week)
Overview:
The Editor commissions essays for publication on the ArtNow.NZ website with a view to providing informed commentary on issues, themes, topics, exhibitions, events and practices that have currency in the contemporary art world. They oversee the delivery of 20 to 26 1500-2000 word essays over a 12-month period, making decisions on what should be covered, who should write and in what order texts should be published. They are contracted for a maximum of 312 hours (based on an average of 6 hours per week) and report to an editorial advisory established to support this project by the Aotearoa Public Gallery Directors’ Network (APGDN) in association with ArtNow.NZ.
Responsibilities:
• Identifying issues, themes, topics, exhibitions, events, practices that have currency in the contemporary art world
• Identifying writers who can offer informed and accessible commentary on the above
• Preparing a quarterly plan and presenting this to the editorial advisory for advice and feedback.
• Commissioning essays of 1500-2000 words (including inviting writers, soliciting texts, setting deadlines, organising travel (where relevant), tracking correspondence, processing payments)
• Preparing between 20 and 26 essays for publication on the ArtNow.NZ website in one 12-month period (including editing texts, fact checking, proofing, overseeing authors to secure images, clear copyright and write captions, and liaising with the ArtNow.NZ web team to upload content on time each fortnight)
• Working with the ArtNow.NZ team on a social media strategy to promote the essay site, liaising with readers and other users as required.
Qualifications and competencies:
• Experience as a writer and/or editor (clear writer, experienced proof-reader/copy-editor)
• Knowledge of the contemporary visual arts
• Demonstrated skills in delivering projects on time (self-management)
• Understanding of digital media and publishing
• Commitment to growing audiences for art by fostering clear and accessible writing
• Good communication skills (ability to connect effectively with writers, editorial advisory & ArtNow.NZ team)
• Sound administrative practices (answers correspondence promptly, puts systems in place for efficient working processes)
• Ability to work independently and with a clear sense of purpose
Practical considerations:
• The Editor is contracted by APGDN. They will be an independent contractor. The agreed fee will be paid on receipt of an invoice on a monthly basis.
• ArtNow.NZ will administer payment of all invoices.
• The Editor will be supported by the editorial advisory and can be mentored by individual members if required.
• Candidates who are not based in New Zealand art welcome to apply for this role. They should demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of contemporary art in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• If the Editor is based in New Zealand, they will be supported by a relevant APGDN member gallery. This might include a hot desk, access to photocopier, office supplies, postage, internet connection, etc.
• ArtNow.NZ will upload content and manage the social media marketing strategy.
• This opportunity is funded by APGDN and Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa for an initial 12-month period.
• The intention is for this project to continue should ongoing funding be secured. However, there is no commitment to extending the Editor’s contract should the project extend beyond the initial 12-month period.
Key contacts:
Tina Barton, Adam Art Gallery Te Pātaka Toi tina.barton@vuw.ac.nz
Stephanie Post, ArtNow.NZ stephanie@artnow.nz
Hiraani Himona, Te Tuhi hiraani@tetuhi.art
This project has been made possible by support from Creative New Zealand and the individual galleries who are part of APGDN.