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We're looking to publish new writing that critically engages with the ways in which photography can speak to issues of colonialism and climate justice. Pitch to us by 4 March 2024!
Successful applicants will receive a £300 fee and publication on Autograph's website
The deadline to apply has now passed
This open call is for emerging writers with an idea for a new text of 600-1000 words
Are you an emerging writer looking to publish new work? We're inviting pitches for texts that critically engage with the ways in which photography can speak to issues of environmentalism, colonialism and climate justice. This call is part of Autograph's new exhibitions Wilfred Ukpong: Niger-Delta / Future-Cosmos and Mónica Alcázar-Duarte: Digital Clouds Don't Carry Rain.
We will consider submissions for writing in a range of formats so long as it speaks to the themes. This might include – but certainly isn’t limited to – a comment piece, a remembrance, a piece of poetry, a listicle, or a short work of fiction.
The successful applicants will receive a £300 fee to produce the full text, editorial support from Autograph and publication on our website. The selected proposals will need to be ready to publish by mid-April.
Mónica Alcázar-Duarte, Yum Kaax - Mayan Jungle Deity, 2023
Wilfred Ukpong, film still [detail] from Earth Sounds, 2021
Autograph is committed to sharing the work of creatives whose work addresses issues of race, representation, identity, human rights and social justice. We select and commission content based on relevance and quality and we’re keen to share the work of individuals with lived experience of marginalisation, misrepresentation and/or inequality.
Our online content aims to be accessible, compassionate and progressive. We want our content to bring joy, understanding, awareness and action. To do this, we need a multiplicity of voices and perspectives involved, which is why we want to hear from you.
If your pitch is successful, Autograph's experienced staff will work with you to:
• discuss your ideas and support you in developing and editing the text
• publish and share your writing with others
• promote the work in our newsletter, on our social media channels and via our networks
Apply for this opportunity with a pitch: a short summary of the text you would like to write.
🖋️ Please don’t start writing your piece before it has been commissioned.
🖋️ Get to know Autograph: take a look at our exhibition pages (or visit us!) and our blog before you pitch to us, to get a better sense of what we publish and what we’re interested in. This is also important to ensure you’re not pitching us something we’ve already covered.
🖋️ Pitch one idea – chose your best or most relevant idea and share it with us.
The deadline to apply has now passed. You can find out more about our other open call opportunities here.
Is there a word limit?
We're looking to publish texts that are 600 - 1,000 words long, though we will publish shorter texts in some formats (for example poetry).
Who is this opportunity for?
This opportunity is for emerging writers, by which we mean someone who has perhaps had 1-2 pieces of text published. Don’t be put off pitching us a piece if you haven’t been published before – we’re keen to work with first-time writers too.
Do I have to be in the UK?
Though we are based in the UK, Autograph welcomes stories from around the world.
Can I incorporate images or illustrations into my writing?
We are not able to commission or license images from third party providers to publish alongside your text. If relevant, we can incorporate images from Autograph's exhibitions and collection.
What is Autograph's scope?
We encourage individuals to share the stories that feel relevant in your communities, whether that’s at a local or national level but please bear in mind that a local story will need context and a farther-reaching angle to work for a wider audience.
If I'm successful, when can I expect my writing to be published?
The deadline for applications is 4 March 2024. If your pitch is successful we will be in touch by mid-March, and we will work together towards a publication deadline in mid-April.
Will you provide feedback if I'm not selected?
We are a small team and we are not able to offer individual feedback for applicants who are not successful. Often the reason we’re not able to commission your idea is due to our limited capacity and budget rather than the quality of your pitch so please don’t be disheartened and feel free to pitch to us again in future calls for writing.
Can I pitch a text that has already been published elsewhere?
No. This call is for new writing only, which has not already been shared publicly.
Essays, poems, reflections and more addressing the intersections of visual culture, representation and rights.
Browse texts
Read (and watch) interviews with artists who use photography to highlight questions of race, rights and representation.
Browse interviewsImages on page: 1) Mónica Alcázar-Duarte, Yum Kaax - Mayan Jungle Deity, 2023. From the series Digital Clouds Don’t Carry Rain. Courtesy the artist. 2) Wilfred Ukpong, film still [detail] from Earth Sounds, 2021. 30’00” min. From the series Blazing Century 1. Courtesy of the artist and Blazing Century Studios.
Autograph is a place to see things differently. Since 1988, we have championed photography that explores issues of race, identity, representation, human rights and social justice, sharing how photographs reflect lived experiences and shape our understanding of ourselves and others.
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