Manifesto

Chicago Artist Writers is a platform that asks young studio artists and art workers to write traditional and experimental criticism that serves under-represented arts programming in Chicago.

    •    Chicago’s dynamic, vibrant, and diverse array of exhibition venues is not met with the critical analysis it deserves
    •    Criticism need not cheerlead cultural production
    •    Artists can benefit in a singular way from critical feedback produced by other artists
    •    Criticism can be a means, not just an end
    •    CAW encourages criticism from traditional to experimental authored by both studio artists and a larger field of cultural producers
    •    By leveraging an online platform, CAW aims to speed up critical response
    •    Studio art curriculum often lacks a substantial writing component; students who develop as writers (assessing work outside of their own production) become increasingly articulate, reflexive, and, most importantly, stronger cultural producers