URAKAN is a space for writing, reading, and arguing about art. We are interested in writing that doesn’t stop at what happened, but tries to understand why it matters, what is at stake, and how it connects to a wider context.

We welcome writing that observes, reviews, researches, or questions practices and issues in art and culture. We don’t treat differing views, criticism, and responses as something to avoid. That is precisely where conversation in the art ecosystem comes alive.

Writing can come from writers, artists, researchers, students, curators, or anyone from any other background. You can send a finished manuscript or a pitch.

URAKAN is open to contributions, but every piece goes through an editorial process. We consider how well a piece fits URAKAN’s editorial scope, the strength of its ideas and argument, and its potential to enrich critical conversation about art and culture. Every published piece receives an honorarium.

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What can you submit?

We accept many forms of writing, including:

• Exhibition reviews
• Art criticism
• Essays
• Opinion / Responses
• Reportage
• Interviews
• Profiles of artists, collectives, organisations, or practices
• Writing on music and performance
• Other forms of critical writing

This list is not a fixed set of categories. We are open to other forms of writing as long as their ideas and approach are relevant to URAKAN’s editorial space.

Finished manuscripts

If your piece is finished, you can send the manuscript directly for the editorial team to consider.

Pitches

If you only have an idea so far, you can send a pitch first. A pitch doesn’t need to be a formal proposal or a complete manuscript.

Briefly explain:

• what you want to write about;
• the main question, idea, or argument you want to develop;
• why the topic is interesting or relevant to discuss now; and
• the form of writing you have in mind.

For some topics or projects, the editorial team may choose to discuss the idea with you first before asking for a full manuscript.

Language and length

Writing can be submitted in Indonesian, English, or German.

There is no fixed length. As a starting guide, reviews and criticism usually run to around 1,000–1,500 words. The final length can be adjusted to what the argument needs and through the editing process.

Editorial process

Every piece considered for publication goes through an open, collaborative editing process between contributor and editor, in line with URAKAN’s editorial standards.

Editing may cover structure, argument, substance, language, and accuracy of facts. Contributors may be asked to revise before a piece is ready for publication.

Submitting a piece does not guarantee publication. Publication decisions rest with the URAKAN editorial team.

Because URAKAN is run by an independent editorial team, we don’t set a fixed response time for submissions. We will contact contributors if a piece needs follow-up or has been selected to move forward.

Integrity and disclosure

Accuracy and originality

Please fill in the form accurately and carefully before submitting.

Contributors must make sure that every fact and quotation in their writing is correct, and that the writing is free of plagiarism.

Submissions to other publications

A manuscript sent to URAKAN must not be under consideration by another publication at the same time, whether in the same form or with materially the same substance. If your manuscript is being considered elsewhere, please wait for that decision before sending it to URAKAN.

For pitches, please let us know if the same idea has been accepted by another publication.

Relationship to the subject

Contributors must disclose any professional, personal, financial, or institutional relationship relevant to the subject of their writing.

Such a relationship does not in itself prevent publication, but it may be taken into editorial consideration.

Previously published writing

URAKAN may consider writing that has been published before, including pieces developed or reworked from an earlier version.

Information about previous publication must be given in the form, including a link where available. Publication will still take editorial considerations and applicable publishing rights into account.

Visual documentation

For writing about exhibitions, performances, events, or other activities, URAKAN prefers to use official documentation obtained from artists, galleries, organisers, or other relevant parties.

Contributors are not required to supply their own photos.

Where possible, contributors can help URAKAN get in touch with whoever owns or manages that documentation, especially if they have direct access to them.

Honorarium

Writing published by URAKAN receives an honorarium in line with the applicable editorial terms.

Payment is made no later than 30 days after the publication date.

Payment details will be requested at the administrative stage, once a piece has been approved for publication. Bank details do not need to be included when submitting.

Terms of publication

URAKAN Magazine has the right to publish, broadcast, distribute, and archive the writing, and to reproduce it in future URAKAN Magazine anthologies or print editions.

Published writing may be translated and published by URAKAN Magazine in Indonesian, English, and/or German.

Contributors may republish their writing in any format and in any medium no earlier than 180 days after the publication date, with a note that the original version was first published by URAKAN Magazine.

The terms of publication and the honorarium will be confirmed with the contributor once a piece has been approved for publication.