Welcome to BAM! Industry Voices. This program is for writers, critics, curators, and industry professionals who shape critical discussions in the Black art world. Writers, curators, and industry professionals can share insights, analysis, and expertise with our engaged readership. If you’re ready to share your voice, let’s get started.
We publish thoughtful, well-researched, and engaging articles that offer original insights into the Black art world. Our audience includes artists, collectors, curators, scholars, and industry professionals looking for substance, not fluff.
Deep Dives & Industry Insights
Example: How Black Artists Are Reshaping the Global Art Market
Cultural Analysis & Criticism
Example: The Rise of Afrofuturism in Contemporary Art
Practical & Tactical Guides
Example: Navigating the Art Fair Circuit as a Black Artist
Market & Institutional Perspectives
Example: Why Museums Are Finally Investing in Black Art (And What It Means for Collectors)
Originality: Offer a fresh angle, challenge assumptions, or uncover something new.
Depth & Substance: Readers should walk away having learned something significant. Provide examples, data, and well-reasoned arguments.
Engaging & Well-Written: Our audience is intelligent and art-savvy. Write with clarity and authority, but keep it engaging.
Relevance: Your piece should connect to the Black art world in a meaningful way.
Step 1: Find a Unique Angle
Our readers seek insightful, original perspectives on Black art and culture. Before drafting your piece, search Black Art Magazine to see how your topic has been covered. Your goal is to push the conversation forward with a fresh perspective.
Step 2: Narrow Your Approach
Broad topics lead to generic articles. Instead of “The Evolution of Black Portraiture,” consider “How Contemporary Black Portraiture Reclaims the Gaze.” Specificity leads to stronger storytelling.
Step 3: Offer Actionable Insights
The best articles provide practical, thought-provoking takeaways. Generic summaries don’t engage our readers—concrete examples, in-depth analysis, and compelling narratives do.
Expertise: Writers should submit pieces within their area of knowledge. Demonstrate your authority on the subject.
Reliable Sources: Cite original sources (studies, reports, institutional archives) when including data or historical context.
Ideal Length: Articles should be at least 800-1,000 words. Longer features may be considered if the content justifies the length.
Inclusion & Diversity: Contributions should reflect the diversity of Black art and cultural perspectives.
Proper Attribution: If citing research, statistics, or historical facts, include proper sourcing.
Proofread & Edit: Articles with excessive errors will not be accepted. Accuracy: Confirm names, dates, and references before submitting.
AI-Generated Writing: While AI can be used for brainstorming and proofreading, Black Art Magazine has a strong preference for contributor-written articles. If AI tools were used in any capacity, contributors must fact-check rigorously before submission.
Unverified or Plagiarized Content: If you include statistics, historical references, or data points, you must cite reliable sources. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
Self-Promotion: Your article should establish your expertise through valuable insights, not by promoting yourself, your business, or your services.
Paid Links or Mentions: Selling editorial space in your articles violates our guidelines.
Conflicts of Interest: Avoid writing about individuals or businesses with whom you have a personal or financial relationship unless fully disclosed.
Previously Published Articles: All submissions must be original and not previously published elsewhere (including personal blogs).
Unapproved Artist Profiles or Q&As: BAM! Industry Voices is not an artist directory. We do not publish standalone artist profiles or Q&A interviews unless approved by our editorial team.
Review & Feedback Once submitted, articles are reviewed by our editorial team. You may receive requests for edits or clarifications before approval.
Editing & Publishing Our editors may refine your submission for clarity, grammar, and structure. Final publication dates are determined by Black Art Magazine.
Republishing Guidelines You may republish your article on your personal website or blog 30 days after its publication on Black Art Magazine, with a link back to the original piece.
Editorial Discretion Black Art Magazine reserves the right to edit, reject, or remove content that does not meet our standards.
We follow the Association of Art Editors (AAE) Style Guide. Below are some key formatting and style rules contributors must follow:
Art Terminology: Use standard art industry terminology accurately (e.g., “mixed media,” “postmodern,” “site-specific installation”).
Capitalization: Titles of artworks should be italicized (e.g., The Migration Series).
Consistent Verb Tense: Stick to one tense unless discussing past events.
Commas & periods inside quotes: “Black portraiture is powerful,” she said. No double spaces after sentences.
Companies are singular entities: “The museum announced its latest exhibition” (not “their latest exhibition”).
For full AAE guidelines, refer to this document.
Want to pitch a story before writing it? Email your brief pitch (2-3 sentences) with the proposed angle to our editorial team. Include a subject line like: Pitch: [Proposed Article Title].
Thank you for being part of BAM! Industry Voices! We’re excited to share your insights with our readers.