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The Brief - Print Edition
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political arts writing that makes you think again
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Subscribe 〰️ The Brief - Print Edition 〰️ political arts writing that makes you think again 〰️
An arts writing incubator, public programming initiative, & publishing platform that builds discourse around contemporary Black art.
Arts Writing Incubator
Arts Writing Incubator
Applications Open
The Year of the Editor
We’ve always been focused on cultivating great arts writing but less so on the people who are absolutely critical to the arts writing process: editors. The 2027 Arts Writing Incubator is devoted to the technical skills required of excellent, thoughtful editing, as well as to the political and ethical power embedded in editorial processes.
The application is open to people who have experience running their own publications, freelance editors who work across publications, and experienced arts writers who want to develop editorial skills. Read more about the application details.
2026-2027 Art Criticism Apprenticeship
BES x Scalawag Magazine
Willie Jamaal Wright
BES Makes its Way to Houston
The second round of our beloved Art Criticism Apprenticeship is underway! We’re collaborating with one of our favorite outlets, Scalawag Magazine in Houston, to provide mentorship and guidance to Willie Jamaal Wright. He’ll be reporting on its exhibitions and goings-on that comprise “the art world,” and meeting with the BES and Scalawag editors on the histories, forms, and functions of art criticism.
Stay tuned to BES to see what Wright will be writing over the next six months!
Political Arts Writing is Back
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The Brief - Print Edition
Snail Mail to Feed Your Brain
We’re launching a print newsletter that thinks about art and arts writing as vital political practices. The Brief centers artists, critics, culture workers, and everyday people as political thinkers—as people whose words spark ideas and, just maybe, social change.
We’ll publish 3x/year and the first issue comes out in November. Learn more about how to get The Brief or go subscribe now.