Artlance
Exceptional Art Writing, Commissioned & Independent
Artlance is a platform for commissioning honest and independent critical writing by established and emerging arts writers. We operate under a Charter that guarantees authorial independence, fair compensation, and editorial integrity.
How Artlance Is Different
Standard Commission
Catalogue essay, wall text
Org pays writer
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Writer writes to spec
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Org reviews & approves
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Org publishes
Funder controls content
Sponsored Content
Advertorial, branded piece
Sponsor pays outlet
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Outlet assigns writer
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Sponsor reviews & approves
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Outlet publishes
Sponsor shapes messaging
Traditional Editorial
Magazine review, newspaper
Org hires PR ($5-10K/mo)
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PR pitches editors
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Editor assigns (maybe)
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Writer adapts to house voice
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Publishes months later, if ever
Not guaranteed. Slow. Writer conforms.
Artlance
Commissioned independence
Org pays Artlance
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Artlance posts commission
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Writer claims & writes independently
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Artlance reviews (copy & facts only)
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Writer publishes on own platform
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Artlance pays writer & amplifies
Guaranteed. Independent. Funder never touches content.
| Commission | Sponsored | Editorial | Artlance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage guaranteed? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Writer independent? | No | No | Mostly | Yes |
| Funder approves content? | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Writer keeps IP? | Rarely | No | Varies | Always |
| Transparent disclosure? | Varies | Sometimes | N/A | Always |
| Cost to organization | Negotiated | $$$+ | $5-10K/mo PR | $1/word + 15-20% |
Commissioners pay Artlance for access to independent, honest criticism by the best writers.