👻 open call for arts worker horror stories

If you work in the arts, you've probably had your fair share of creeeepy bosses, ghoulish work conditions, and clients who turn into ghosts as soon as it's time to pay up. This October, Fractured Atlas is commissioning an artist of any discipline to write a 750-900 word article about their very own arts worker horror story 👹 Please review the details below, and fill out this short interest form by Thursday, September 25th for a chance to write and publish your story with a $750 stipend. We’ll be randomly selecting someone to work with, because the art world doesn't need any more competition ੈ✩‧₊˚

📍 why are we doing this? 

Many artists operate outside of standard employment contexts and lack access to worker protections, heightening their financial risk, physical risk, and interpersonal risk in the form of harassment. Even artists who work a standard 9-5 at an arts or cultural organization often navigate precarious work conditions. From wobbly ladders to unpaid overtime or unexpected taxes, the path of a working artist can be...scary, to say the least. In an expression of arts worker solidarity, Fractured Atlas is commissioning an artist to share a story that centers their own growth, resilience, and learning in the face of a nightmarish work experience 🦇

🧟 who can enter?

Anyone who identifies as an arts worker, and has a "horror story" to share about working in the arts sector is welcome to enter. Whether you're a theater tech, freelance muralist, arts admin, etc. — we want to hear from you and share your spooky story.

👛 what's the budget?

The selected writer will receive a $750 stipend (via ACH deposit or check) once the first draft is finished. Of course, this means filling out a W9, too 🖊️

🎩 how is the writer selected?

The writer will be randomly selected from the pool of completed interest forms. To us, complete means every question is answered thoughtfully and no information is missing.

📅 when will the work take place?

The selected writer will be notified by email on Tuesday, September 30th. They will have two weeks to write a first draft, due Tuesday, October 14th. The External Relations team will then provide revisions and edits, with the final draft due Tuesday, October 21st. Fractured Atlas's Associate Director, Creative is available to you via email, phone, or Zoom throughout this period of time for questions, feedback, or other creative support. We ask that you double check you are available and committed to this schedule before filling out the interest form. It would put our team in a tight spot if we commit to working with you, and scheduling conflicts arise 🫣

📢 where is the article published?

Fractured Atlas will use the article for marketing and community building purposes. This will likely include publishing it via our website, Instagram, newsletter, and beyond. The artist will be credited by name in all instances, and their website and social handles will be added wherever possible.

That's all! Fill out this short interest form by Thursday, September 25th and share it with an artist pal who has a scary story to tell. We can't wait to meet our future horror story writer this fall 🍂