Submissions

Would you like to write for the IAQ? We want to know!

The IAQ publishes engaging thoughtful stories, for both the print magazine and our website, from across Inuit Nunangat and beyond that centre the experiences and work of Inuit artists across all mediums. We publish a wide range of stories, including artist interviews, historical analyses and personal essays.

We prioritize emerging and established Inuit writers. We also want to hear from those who identify as Indigenous, Black, people of colour, disabled, women, queer, trans or non-binary persons or any combination of these intersections. The IAQ also welcomes international perspectives, especially from across the circumpolar North.

We are commited to working closely with emerging writers. If you have never been published before but have a story or unique perspective you’d like to share about Inuit artists and their practices, please let us know! You do not need to have been published before to work with our team.

Rates – New Increase for 2021!  

The IAQ is committed to offering competitive rates for accepted online and print submissions. In addition to a complimentary copy of the magazine, writers will be paid $1 per word for both print and online content:

  • $1,750 for feature articles and interviews
  • $500 for artist profiles and other front-of-book pieces
  • $250 for reviews (Please note: we are not currently publishing reviews)
  • Word counts for web stories may vary but still honour the same pay rate.

Writers are paid by e-transfer the Friday after their invoices are received, unless they request alternate arrangements. We do not hold invoices for payment.

Curious about what our terms look like? Check out our standard writer's contract.

Pitching IAQ


Themed Pitches

Each print issue of the IAQ is centred around a theme, which can be interpreted in many ways. The next issue’s theme is:


Break-Up
Spring 2022
Pitch Deadline: September 20, 2021
Released: March 15, 2022

After months of shorter days and a deep cold that transforms the landscape of the North, the warmer weather of spring brings a much welcomed change. Inuit communities across Inuit Nunangat move into a period of expansion, engaging in familial activities and practices that are unavailable during the depths of winter. As the sea ice melts, that which was frozen comes alive once more. 

For our Spring 2022 issue, the Inuit Art Quarterly welcomes submissions that explore ideas of transition and change, including:

  • Artists breaking the mold, embracing innovative techniques
  • New artistic models, markets, structures and supply chains
  • Sea ice changes, weather changes and climate change
  • Re-birth, cycles of life, celebration
  • Return of spring, the sun, warmth
  • Hunting, fishing, food
  • Travel, transportation and accessibility
  • Plants, ecosystems, growth 

Please send pitches to: iaq [at] inuitartfoundation [dot] org and include “Submission for 35.1 (Spring 2022)” in the subject line.

In addition, the IAQ is looking for pitches on these topics for online:

  • The influence of family practices on contemporary art makers
  • Community perspectives on local artists and their practices
  • Profiles of emerging artists
  • New reflections on the history of Inuit art

Open Call

Do you have a great idea for an article on Inuit art that doesn’t fit these themes? We want to hear from you! The IAQ accepts pitches on topics about Inuit artists and their work year-round. Please send open pitches to: iaq [at] inuitartfoundation [dot] or and include “Open Call” in the subject.

Want an assignment?

In addition to our ongoing open call for pitches, we are also looking for stories that fit the specific themes of our upcoming issues and for online. Are you interested in writing for the IAQ, but would prefer to be assigned a story, or want to talk about potential ways to contribute? Please feel free to send along a quick bio and writing sample to: iaq [at] inuitartfoundation [dot] org.

Submission Tools & Tips

Pitches should be around 250 words, and outline the highlights of your piece: the subject, artists or artworks you intend to include, what ideas or concepts your feature will discuss, along with any other information you consider relevant. Also, please tell us a little about yourself and why you are the person to write this story!

For a better idea of the type of stories we love or to see if your idea has already been covered, all IAQ Online content is available for free, and the IAQ offers its print magazine back issues as free PDFS.

Writing for IAQ

We prioritize writer’s needs in our process. All writers will be assigned a handling editor who will step you through the process from story idea to final copy. Writers can generally expect two rounds of feedback before signing off on the final draft, which normally takes 6-8 weeks to complete. The IAQ is also happy to provide background materials relevant to your article, including image research and help connecting with experts.

For style guidelines, the IAQ uses an in-house style guide. Our style guide is an evolving document, and we welcome feedback from community members, writers and artists. If you have a question or suggestion, please let us know at iaq [at] inuitartfoundation [dot] org! 

Editorial Policies
KalvakHelenTheLandOfIceAndSnow
Helen Kalvak The Land of Ice and Snow (1970) Courtesy IAF
Upcoming Issues 

The Break-Up Issue
Spring 2022
Deadline: October 1, 2021
Newsstand: March 15, 2022

The Transformation Issue
Summer 2022
Deadline: November 26, 2022
Newsstand: June 15, 2022

The Mass Issue
Fall 2022
Deadline: March 14, 2022
Newsstand: September 15, 2022

The Colour Issue
Winter 2022
Deadline: June 1, 2022
Newsstand: December 5, 2022

The Line Issue
Spring 2023
Deadline: August 29, 2022
Newsstand: March 15, 2023