Background
Since 2009 Corridor8 has consistently covered contemporary art activity across the North of England. We now hold a unique archive of exhibitions, artistic practices and artist-led projects.
Until 2020 we operated on a mainly volunteer basis and the majority of our online content was unpaid. Recognising that this was a direct cause of inequality and homogeneity in arts writing, and that it ran contrary to both our ethics and our financial sustainability, we decided to change the way we work.
We now invite organisations to directly support reviews and features, and work together to publish content that reflects the vibrant visual culture of the North whilst retaining the independent voices and views of writers. We operate in the spirit of collaboration and mutual support, and ask that our code of conduct is upheld at all times.
Supported content model
Since January 2020 we’ve seen a growing investment from organisations who want a legacy for their exhibitions and events, and writing that adds value to their programming. This form of writing – what we’re calling ‘supported content’ – is distinct from ‘advertorial’ or promotional copy, offering insights and interpretations beyond basic description or a simple appeal for engagement.
Commissioning organisations are invited to fact-check drafts, but our editoral team have the final say on the choice of writers and final sign-off. We do our best to ensure briefs are clearly established with organisations at the outset, and that reviews are informed and critically balanced. While we are happy to correct inaccuracies, views and opinions expressed by writers are non-negotiable. Direct commissions from artists are at our editors’ discretion, and in general we will suggest an interview rather than a review to avoid a conflict of interest.
We offer a range of commission types and rates that cover the full publishing process, from finding a suitable writer to marketing the published piece. We ask for six to eight weeks’ notice for coverage of live exhibitions, events or projects; otherwise content may be published after they finish.
Write for us
To write for us you’ll need to join one of our ‘regional pools’; we always try to match up commissions with writers to who are local to the organisation or have a stake in what’s being discussed. Below are links to forms for each region where you can tell us about yourself and upload a writing sample for consideration, then the relevant editor will be in touch to follow up.
Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne & Wear
Greater Manchester, Lancashire & Cumbria
Commissions and rates (July 2022)
Review – £250
(writer fee: £150; editor fee: £60; admin/org fee: £40)
- 800-1,200 words + two images
- Feature position on landing page for minimum one week
- Promotion across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and through our newsletter
- Permanent website presence
Extended Review/ Feature/ Interview – £330
(writer fee: £200; editor fee: £80; admin/org fee: £50)
- 1,200-2,000 words + up to four images
- Feature position on landing page for minimum one week
- Promotion across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and through our newsletter
- Permanent website presence
Annual package 1 – £890
(writer fee: £450; editor fee: £180; admin/org fee: £250)
- Three reviews + three adverts (running up to two months each)
- Promotion across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and through our newsletter
- Permanent website presence
Annual package 2 – £1,090
(writer fee: £600; editor fee: £240; admin/org fee: £250)
- Three Extended Reviews/ Features/ Interviews + three adverts (running up to two months each)
- Feature position on landing page for minimum one week for each piece
- Promotion across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and through our newsletter
- Permanent website presence
Organisations, our ‘supported content’ terms and conditions, and commissioning process, can be found here. In the first instance, please contact the appropriate regional editor with all enquiries.
You can also advertise with us; we offer lower rates for start-ups and non-regularly-funded organisations. Alongside commissions and adverts, we continue to work in partnership across the North (and sometimes beyond) to deliver training, residencies, publications and event programmes. Contact Lara Eggleton and Lauren Velvick at info@corridor8.co.uk if you would like to discuss working together.
Readers, artists and art enthusiasts, if you enjoy our content and appreciate what we do, please consider making a one-off or recurring donation.