Critical Writing in the Arts .
Professional Development Program.
BlakView is a professional development program supporting Aboriginal and regional NSW artists and arts workers to develop their voice and skills in critical writing in the arts, and strongly encourages the development and sharing of diverse perspectives.
Delivered through a hybrid model, BlakView combines a 3-day face-to-face intensive in Orange with online workshops and mentorship, supporting participants to build confidence, develop their voice, and publish their work.
About the Program
BlakView responds to a critical gap in regional arts practice—the lack of diverse voices in critical writing and cultural commentary.
This program supports participants to:
Develop skills in review writing and critical analysis
Engage with exhibitions and artistic work through a critical lens
Build confidence in articulating cultural and creative perspectives
Explore pathways to publication and paid writing opportunities
Participants will be supported by experienced facilitators and industry mentors across the duration of the program.
The program will be delivered in four stages:
Stage 1: Recruitment and Engagement
April - May 2026
Targeted outreach through regional arts networks to recruit up to 20 participants, with a priority focus on Aboriginal artists and arts workers.
Stage 3: Online Workshops and Mentoring
July - October 2026
Monthly online sessions providing feedback, developing writing across platforms, and exploring pathways to publication and income generation. Each participant will be paired with a mentor.
Stage 2: Face-to-Face Intensive
June 2026 in Orange
A 3-day intensive workshop led by experienced facilitators, including Project Manager Pene Riggs. Participants will explore critical writing in the arts, develop analytical skills, visit a gallery, and produce their first review.
Stage 4: Outcomes and Publication
November 2026 Participants will finalise and submit a written piece for publication. November 2026
Who’s it for?
BlakView is open to:
Aboriginal artists and arts workers (priority)
Emerging and established creatives in regional and remote NSW
People interested in writing about arts, culture, and creative practice
We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as:
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)
Living with disability
LGBTQ+
No prior professional writing experience is required—just a strong interest in developing your voice.
What You’ll Gain
Practical skills in critical and review writing
Experience writing about exhibitions and artistic work
Feedback from industry professionals
Mentorship and professional guidance
A published piece of writing
Pathways into arts writing, criticism, and cultural commentary
BlakView – Expression of Interest (EOI)
BlakView – Critical Writing in the Arts
Thank you for your interest in BlakView, a professional development program supporting Aboriginal and regional NSW artists and arts workers to develop skills in critical writing.
The program includes:
A 3-day intensive in Orange (June 2026)
Online workshops (July–October 2026)
Mentorship and writing support
Opportunity to publish your worK
Who should apply?
The program prioritises Aboriginal participants and strongly encourages applications from people across diverse communities, including CALD backgrounds, people living with disability, and LGBTQ+ communities.
This project was made possible by the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia. The program is managed by Regional Arts Australia and administered in NSW by Regional Arts NSW.
With the support of our Project Partners
