Fortresses
A CRITICAL ARTS MAGAZINE
Fortresses magazine is a quarterly publication dedicated to elevating Kansas City arts discourse.
We mentor and support both established and emerging critical writers to present innovative pedagogical lenses that will enhance art appreciation and art literacy among diverse audiences.
Our mission is to cultivate art criticism that identifies and interprets cultural, political, and economic trends shaping Kansas City’s artistic landscape.
Alongside writers, artists, educators, collectors, galleries, and cultural stewards, we employ the capabilities of critical discourse to elevate the city’s profile in regional and national art markets.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of future-making.
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Open Call
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Open Call //
Cravings
Open Call for Issue I
Who hasn’t been captivated by a craving?
It’s a feeling we can all relate to; the desire for something just beyond our reach. The irresistible pull of a sweet tooth, unrequited love, or the moment of clarity that follows an encounter in which we realize too late what we truly wanted to say or do.
In our introductory issue, we will embrace the itches, aches, and yearnings that shape our decisions, impact our relationships, and mold our identities.
Do these longings stem from societal pressures, nostalgia, or a romanticized view of reality?
This is our space to examine and reflect on who we could be if we got everything we ever wanted, or who we might become in the presence of a craving that remains unfulfilled.
Submission Details
Send us your pitches for critical reviews, visual arts, poetry, essays, interviews, political cartoons...
You get the picture. We want it all.
We believe powerful discourse is born in good company, and we truly can't wait to see your contributions and pitches!
Don’t be shy. Don’t overthink it.
Send submissions to fortressesmag@gmail.com.
Requirements
Make your pitch as formal or informal as you'd like, but include:
1. Your name
2. Your city and state
3. For visual art, poetry, and political cartoons — include the name of your works and the medium if applicable
4. For critical compositions, essays, and interviews — send a paragraph or two outlining your pitch. Include the usual suspects (the who, what, and why of it all)
Contributor Support
This issue will feature unpaid contributions. We are currently establishing our relationship with our fiscal sponsor to begin receiving funding, and our first fundraiser will be this December.
Our primary fundraising goal is to compensate writers and artists, and we are committed to achieving this within our first three issues.