Frieze New Writers
Phileas, Opernring 17, 1010 Vienna
9-11 April 2026
Are you a new writer looking to develop as a critic? Interested in exploring different approaches to writing about art and gaining insight into how to get published?
In 2026, Frieze hosted the Frieze New Writers Programme in Vienna, Austria: a free, three-day intensive course that took place from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April. A group of aspiring writers developed their skills with support from the frieze editorial team and a wider network of art-world professionals.
An open call for applications attracted more than 160 submissions, with eight participants selected by the frieze editorial team and Phileas.
In partnership with Phileas – The Austrian Office for Contemporary Art, the programme included a series of workshops offering practical advice on how and where to pitch, interview techniques, and what makes a strong exhibition review. Gallery and institutional visits provided participants with insights into the ecosystem of Vienna’s art scene.
Over the course of the programme, participants worked closely with members of the frieze editorial team, gaining insight into different forms of art writing – from exhibition reviews to pitching ideas – through writing exercises and discussions. The programme focused on developing a body of texts contributing to an online Critic’s Guide to Vienna.
The course was open to emerging writers over the age of 18 from Austria, Germany and Switzerland and was conducted in English. Each participant worked closely with editors from frieze, now with the opportunity for their writing to appear on frieze.com in the course of May 2026.
Participants: Aaliyah Lauterkranz, Chiara Kristler, Chloe Kelly, Diana Kho, Djita Cisse, Emilio Marroquin, Eugenia Seleznova and Fatima Salum Said.
