We are immensely pleased to announce that we have received a $20,000 grant to expand our Editorial Apprenticeship program. This project is supported by Critical Minded, an initiative dedicated to building the resources and viability of cultural critics across the United States.
For the past year we’ve had the honor of working with Justin Duyao as our inaugural Editorial Apprentice. Justin has grown so much as a writer and editor, demonstrating the value of apprenticeship-style programs that incorporate both paid work and structured learning.
Thanks to this generous grant from Critical Minded, we are thrilled to be able to expand this program to a new apprentice in 2022. This new iteration will be a ten-month paid program that allows emerging writers and editors to learn how an online magazine works while expanding their art writing practice. In addition to assisting with daily tasks such as website and social media management, apprentices receive reading and writing assignments, participate in discussions, and will take ownership of Variable West’s Love Letters column.
DETAILS
Location: Remote, open to applicants from California, Oregon, and Washington
Duration: March–December 2022
Hours: 7 hours per week
Stipend: $20/hour
Application Deadline: February 6 at midnight
Decision announced: end of February
RESPONSIBILITIES
Complete weekly reading and/or writing assignments
Attend a 1-hour virtual meeting with VW Founder Amelia Rina to discuss assignments
Shadow daily online magazine operations
Manage and upload exhibition and event listings on the VW website
Schedule and manage posts on Instagram
Work directly with Variable West writers throughout the Love Letter’s column editorial process
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
A passion for art and art writing
Enthusiasm for discussion-based learning
Interest in the history, theory, and criticism of art
At least 1 year experience working in an editorial capacity (doesn’t have to be in the arts)
Experience using WordPress
Fluency with social media platforms Instagram and Twitter
Experience using social media scheduling software like Later
BONUS POINTS
Experience using project management software like Asana
HOW TO APPLY
Send a letter of interest, resume, and 500–1000 word writing sample to editorial@variablewest.com with EDITORIAL APPRENTICE in the subject line.
Topic suggestions for your letter of interest:
- What do you hope to gain from the apprenticeship?
- Have you ever worked with a mentor before?
- Why are you interested in Variable West?
- What skills and/or experience are you bringing to the table?
- Why do you want to learn more about art writing and editing?
- What do you hope to do after the apprenticeship?
REVIEW PROCESS
Selected applicants will be invited to schedule a video call with Amelia Rina. Before the scheduled time, applicants will receive a few questions and/or discussion topics that will be covered during the call.