Art Writing

In 2024, Phileas launched a new, long-term initiative intended to support and promote writing and broadcasting about art. Through workshops, public conversations, and internal discussions with collaboration partners, it sets out to identify and train a new generation of critics and journalists, develop new platforms and lines of communication with both the specialized art world and a broader, culturally engaged public, and raise awareness locally and internationally about the art scene in Austria.

From left to right: Punch Viratmalee, Simone Molinari, Monica Ray Scott, Jelena Jokic-Bornstein, Jens-Christian Bülskämper, Bryony Dawson, Tianyu Jiang, Noor Ender. Photo: Margarita Keller

In April 2024, Phileas hosted Frieze New Writers, a three-day workshop organized in collaboration with the editorial team of frieze magazine. The workshop provided expertise to a group of 8 aspiring writers based in Austria, Germany and Switzerland who had been selected via an international open call.

The programme included writing exercises and live editing sessions, an overview of print magazines and digital platforms, advice on how to pitch to them, and visits to local institutions and galleries. A guest lecture was also delivered by Kemi Fatoba, an experienced freelance journalist and founder of DADDY, a Berlin-based cultural magazine and consultancy dedicated to fostering diversity within the media sphere.

Later this month, frieze and Phileas will jointly publish 'A Critic’s Guide to Vienna', which will include reviews on current exhibitions written by the participants of the Frieze New Writers workshop.

Over the coming months, Phileas will examine different aspects of art writing and broadcasting through panel discussions, public talks, and further workshops with local and international experts. Dates and details will be announced shortly.

Frieze New Writers workshop. Photos: Margarita Keller