We’re looking for freelance writers to cover visual art

If you’re a sharp writer with a critical eye, we’d like to hear from you.

Photo: From Roberto Torres Mata’s recent show at the Chazen. Photo by Elizabeth Marie Lang Oreamuno. 

Tone Madison is looking for two or three paid freelance writers to contribute to our coverage of visual art in Madison—and related topics including but not limited to conceptual art, installation art, performance art, comics, and architecture. If you’d like to dig beyond the promotional fluff and contribute critical art coverage to a growing reader-supported publication, you might be a good fit. 

Here are the qualities we’re looking for:

• An interest in and working knowledge of locally based artists, arts organizations, galleries, and museums

• Strong writing and interviewing skills

• A discerning eye—in other words, you’re open-minded but not shy about your opinions, and you can articulate why you respond the way you do to a given work of art

• The ability to stay organized, meet deadlines, and take feedback

• A working ethical compass, especially when it comes to any potential conflicts of interest

• An understanding of how art intersects with social and political issues

Here are a few examples of art stories we’ve run in the past:

• Layers of art, plywood, and privilege accrue on State Street (June 8, 2020)

• Richie Morales’ hummingbirds and dragonflies connect Guatemalan culture to persistent memory (June 30, 2021)

• “Drape it in color”: Wesley Willis’ Chicago comes to MMoCA (September 9, 2020)

Tone Madison pays freelance writers on a per-piece basis. Our base rate for a reported feature is $200, and we will sometimes negotiate up from there depending on the scope of the work. Our freelance writers work with experienced, supportive editors and reach an audience that values independent local journalism. 

If you’re interested, review our pitch guidelines and email editor@tonemadison.com with brief (one paragraph) descriptions of two story ideas. No need to write a formal cover letter, but please tell us a bit about yourself and include links to some previous work you’re proud of. Members of historically marginalized groups are encouraged to apply.