An arts writing incubator, public programming initiative, & publishing platform that builds discourse around contemporary Black art.
Announcement
State of the Field
BES reflects on the search for the 2026 Arts Writing Incubator
Big Ideas
We got a huge number of applications for this year’s Arts Writing Incubator, which focuses not on individual writers per se but people who are creating platforms to cultivate other people’s arts critical thinking. We selected 6 incredible people—learn more about them at this link—and took the opportunity to reflect upon trends, patterns, and insights from the pool as a whole. Read our thoughts over on Substack.
The Brief — Print Edition
New print newsletter
Political Arts Writing is Back
Snail Mail to Feed Your Brain
We’re launching a print newsletter that thinks about art and arts writing as vital political practices. The Brief centers artists, critics, culture workers, and everyday people as political thinkers—as people whose words spark ideas and, just maybe, social change.
We’ll publish 3x/year and the first issue comes out in November. Learn more about how to get The Brief or go subscribe now.
New Merch
Designed by Diana Ejaita
Swag
New Things!
We have started commissioning black artists to design merch using one prompt: “You are having a black aesthetic experience.” This year, Berlin-based artist Diana Ejaita whipped up a hoodie, long-sleeve t, hat, and tote bag. Get your merch before we run out.