Finding the right writer for an art publication isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re commissioning an essay for an exhibition catalogue, documenting a private collection, or preparing texts for a gallery or museum, you need someone who understands the subject—and knows how to write about it.
At Flatpage, we regularly hear from artists, curators, galleries, museums, art consultants, and collectors looking for experienced arts writers. Our editorial team includes specialists in visual art and art history, so we know how important it is to find someone with the right combination of subject expertise, writing experience, and critical perspective.
That’s why we’ve developed a curated database of freelance arts writers, critics, and art historians to help connect clients with writers suited to their projects.
What kinds of projects need an arts writer?
Art writing takes many forms, and different projects call for different skills and approaches.
Some of the most common requests we receive include:
- Exhibition catalogues: Critical essays, artist interviews, and interpretive texts that provide context for an exhibition and create a lasting record of the work.
- Private collection catalogues: Essays that explore the themes, histories, and relationships between works in a collection, often offering an independent perspective.
- Artist monographs: In-depth writing about an artist’s practice, career, and body of work.
- Public art publications: Texts documenting the development, fabrication, and significance of temporary or permanent public artworks.
- Gallery and museum texts: Exhibition introductions, wall texts, object descriptions, and other interpretive materials.
- Artist profiles and other commissioned writing: Biographical essays, articles, and texts for websites, portfolios, and publications.
A writer who specialises in contemporary sculpture may be ideal for one project, while another might benefit from someone with expertise in photography, art history, or socially engaged practices.
Finding the right fit can make a significant difference in the final publication.
How Flatpage’s Arts Writer Database Works
Rather than providing a public directory of freelance writers, Flatpage maintains a curated database of arts writers with a range of backgrounds, specialisations, and professional experience.
When you contact us about a writing project, we can help identify potential writers whose expertise and interests align with your needs.
It helps to know a little about your project, including the subject, type of publication, approximate scope, timeline, and budget. If you’re still in the early planning stages, that’s fine too.
Our goal is to make the process of finding a suitable writer easier, whether you’re commissioning a single essay or developing a more substantial publication.
Looking for an arts writer? Contact Flatpage and tell us about your project.
Are You an Arts Writer? Join Our Database!
We’re also interested in hearing from experienced arts writers, critics, and art historians who are available for freelance commissions.
If you write about visual art and are interested in contributing to exhibition catalogues, artist monographs, collection publications, or other art-related projects, we invite you to submit your information for consideration.
Our application form asks about your professional background, areas of expertise, writing samples, typical rates, and availability. This helps us understand the kinds of projects that might be a good fit for you.
Your information will be maintained in our internal database, rather than published in a publicly accessible directory. When relevant opportunities arise, we may share appropriate professional materials with prospective clients.
Submission does not guarantee inclusion in the database or future commissions, but it gives us an opportunity to learn more about your work.
Interested in being considered? Submit your information through our Arts Writer Intake Form.
Good Art Writing Starts with the Right Collaboration
A strong art publication does more than describe artworks. It can illuminate the ideas behind an artist’s practice, introduce new interpretations, connect works to broader cultural conversations, and create a meaningful record for future readers.
Finding a writer who understands both the subject and the purpose of the publication is an important first step.
Whether you’re looking to commission an experienced arts writer or you’re a writer interested in new collaborations, we’d love to hear from you.
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