Artlance
Exceptional Art Writing, Commissioned & Independent
Artlance is a platform for commissioning honest and independent critical writing by established and emerging arts writers. We operate under a Charter that guarantees authorial independence, fair compensation, and editorial integrity.
Two ways to commission
Artlance
Independent criticism
Exhibition reviews and criticism. Fully independent. Writers claim commissions and publish on their own platforms.
Commissioning on Artlance →ArtlanceDirect
Conventional commissioning
Create briefs for catalogue essays, press releases, interviews, wall texts, web copy, and more. You invite the writer and approve the work.
Go to Direct →How Artlance Is Different
Standard Commission
Catalogue essay, wall text
Org pays writer
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Writer writes to spec
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Org reviews & approves
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Org publishes
Funder controls content
Sponsored Content
Advertorial, branded piece
Sponsor pays outlet
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Outlet assigns writer
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Sponsor reviews & approves
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Outlet publishes
Sponsor shapes messaging
Traditional Editorial
Magazine review, newspaper
Org hires PR ($5-10K/mo)
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PR pitches editors
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Editor assigns (maybe)
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Writer adapts to house voice
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Publishes months later, if ever
Not guaranteed. Slow. Writer conforms.
Artlance
Commissioned independence
Org pays Artlance
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Artlance posts commission
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Writer claims & writes independently
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Artlance reviews (copy & facts only)
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Writer publishes on own platform
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Artlance pays writer & amplifies
Guaranteed. Independent. Funder never touches content.
| Commission | Sponsored | Editorial | Artlance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage guaranteed? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Writer independent? | No | No | Mostly | Yes |
| Funder approves content? | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Writer keeps IP? | Rarely | No | Varies | Always |
| Transparent disclosure? | Varies | Sometimes | N/A | Always |
| Cost to organization | Negotiated | $$$+ | $5-10K/mo PR | $1/word + 15-20% |
Commissioners pay Artlance for access to independent, honest criticism by the best writers.