A printed newsletter that treats art and arts writing as collective sites of political struggle and imagination.

Our first issue comes out in November! We publish 3 issues a year—one donation gets you all 3. We spend about $5 to produce each issue, covering design, writers' fees, printing, and mailing. Your donation helps us do this work...and then some.

Donate $5 —this tier is made possible by people who are able to donate more. For $15 you cover the actual costs of paying our designer and writers, and printing and mailing each issue. When you donate $20 we commission more writers and cover surprise costs. Give $30 and we pay writers' fees and keep costs low for all readers. If you are a deep supporter of the printed word, donate $40+ and you allow us to go above and beyond.

Miss the cut-off to get all three issues? Stay tuned to BES for information on how to get copies of issues #2 and #3.

The Brief reserves space in each issue for announcements, listings, and calls from people across the country. The "Public Square" section is modeled on the classified ad, the want ad, and the community bulletin.

We accept text-based and graphics-based listings that announce, for example, an upcoming event, a teach-in, a study group, a resource swap, or a call to support a person or cause; they might simply notify readers that an organization or project exists.

Text Listings

For a $5 donation, we'll run a ~30-word text listing. Submit your text in the "Your Message" field of the donation process.

Example formats include:

The Black Embodiments Studio is an arts organization, public programming initiative, and publishing platform based in Seattle but alive worldwide. Follow us on IG. We’re having a public conversation @ Henry art Gallery 4/16 6-730pm

Jane Doe is seeking letterpress support in Newburgh. Email jane@janesemail.com

Want to see the Jane Doe art show but don’t have anyone to go with? GROUP HANG! Meet in lobby of Jane’s Gallery at 1 PM PST. Text 555-0100 if you get lost.

Join a temporary group chat for people who want to gab about the Whitney Biennial. We’ll be on Telegram from June 1 to July 15. Join us at 555-0100.

Want to know more about black conceptual artists? Virtual talk by Jane Doe, hosted by Best Art Gallery Ever on June 8 at 8 pm EST. bit.ly/supersmart for details.

Graphic Listings

For a $20 donation to BES, we'll run a graphic announcement of your listing (for example, an organization’s logo with one-sentence mission statement). Email your donation receipt and 800x800 px at 300dpi file to editor [at] blackembodiments [dot] org. The subject line should read: "[Public Square Listing] Submission"

This perfect heavyweight hoodie with a sightly boxy fit is made by Independent Trading Company (you can find the size chart by clicking this link.) The suggested donation covers the true cost of production and design ($55.23), and every dollar above that directly supports BES in all that we do. Give at the level that feels right — and if you’re able to give a little more, your generosity helps keep our creative community thriving.

We picked this long-sleeve because there's room for hips; it has a chill open cuff; and it's not too light, not too heavy. Made by Shaka Wear (you can find the size chart by clicking this link.) The suggested donation covers the true cost of production and design ($48.68), and every dollar above that directly supports BES in all that we do. Give at the level that feels right — and if you’re able to give a little more, your generosity helps keep our creative community thriving.

We love a tote—and this one is gusseted, meaning it has a flat bottom. 15"W x 16"H x 3"D and 100% cotton canvas. It's got 20" handles which means its perfect for slinging over your shoulder and won't drag if you're swinging it around by hand. The suggested donation covers the true cost of production and design ($34.70), and every dollar above that directly supports BES in all that we do. Give at the level that feels right — and if you’re able to give a little more, your generosity helps keep our creative community thriving.

A classic dad cap, what else is there to say? Embroidered detail and an adjustable band (surprise, the band also snaps in the back). The suggested donation covers the true cost of production and design ($48.68), and every dollar above that directly supports BES in all that we do. Give at the level that feels right — and if you’re able to give a little more, your generosity helps keep our creative community thriving.