Fortresses Magazine is a triannual publication and community platform dedicated to strengthening critical arts writing in Kansas City and beyond. 

Our mission is to support art criticism that deepens critical discourse, media literacy, and public understanding of art and culture.

We publish emerging, established, and cross-disciplinary writers, including artists, educators, curators, and organizers– helping them develop the skills to think, write, and speak critically about art and culture. Alongside our publishing work, Fortresses promotes programming that builds media, publicity, and public relations literacy for artists, writers, gallerists, and collectors, equipping creative communities with tools to better navigate visibility, narrative, and public engagement.

At its core, Fortresses is a space for curiosity, exchange, and shared growth; where critical writing is grounded in care, context, and community.