Open Call: 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 searching for tips on how to get published?
Applications are now open for the 2026 Frieze New Writers Programme in Vienna, Austria: a free-to-attend, three-day intensive course taking place from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April, where a group of aspiring writers will have the opportunity to develop their skills with support from the frieze editorial team and our wider network of art-world professionals.
We have partnered with Phileas – The Austrian Office for Contemporary Art to create a series of workshops that will offer practical advice on how and where to pitch, interview techniques and what makes a great profile or review. Gallery and studio visits will offer participants insights into the art world and the people who shape it.
The course is open to emerging writers over the age of 18 from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Please note that the course will be conducted in English. All participants will have full expenses covered, including travel, food and accommodation.
Each participant will have their work edited by editors of frieze, with an opportunity for their work to appear on frieze.com.
The deadline for applications is: 11.59pm (CET) Friday 13 February 2026. Read on for details on how to apply.
This initiative is part of Frieze’s wider commitment to amplifying diverse voices within the art world. Frieze is committed to practising anti-discrimination, including race, gender and disability, together with artists, writers and cultural practitioners from all backgrounds. We strongly encourage applications from individuals whose voices and perspectives have been historically underrepresented in the arts and culture sector.
If you have any further questions, be sure to check out our FAQ page.
Participants will be selected by members of the frieze editorial team and a representative from Phileas – The Austrian Office for Contemporary Art.
The Open Call will go live on Friday, 16 January 2026.
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The course is free to attend, and applications are open to all aspiring art writers based in Austria, Germany or Switzerland over the age of 18.
Writers should have published no more than three pieces of art writing in English.
The course will take place in Vienna from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April 2026.
The course has been devised to take place in person; if you have access needs, please let us know in your application email so that we can discuss them with you.
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One unpublished piece of writing, no longer than 350 words. This should be an English-language review of a recent art exhibition or an individual artwork.
A 150-word statement about why you are applying to the course and what you hope to gain from it.
We strongly discourage the use of AI for writing samples. AI usage will be monitored throughout the application process.
The deadline for submissions is: 11.59pm (CET) Friday 13 February 2026. Entries will not be considered if submitted after this deadline.
We will let participants know whether they have been selected by Monday 9 March 2026.
We regret that we are not able to give feedback on unsuccessful applications, though you will be notified if you are not selected for the programme.
