Volunteer Writers — Rock & Art | Remote, Worldwide

Rock & Art is an independent cultural journalism and knowledge platform exploring art, music, literature, identity, bodies, sexuality, politics, and subcultures through critical, intersectional perspectives. We practice slow journalism: research-driven, long-form and contextual work that seeks to understand culture rather than simply report on it. Our editorial practice is guided by intellectual curiosity, evidence, context, editorial independence, and a commitment to complexity and responsible representation.

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Writers to contribute thoughtful, research-driven cultural journalism. This role is not for producing quick news stories, SEO filler, or click-driven content. We seek writers who want to investigate subjects deeply, place them in context, and offer readers a way of understanding them beyond mere summary. Your work may connect with other articles, research, and cultural histories within Rock & Art’s growing body of knowledge.

Subjects may include, but are not limited to:

• Music and sonic cultures
• Literature and literary cultures
• Visual and radical arts
• Film and popular culture
• Fashion and subcultural style
• Gender, sexuality, and identity
• Bodies and kinky culture
• Political and cultural movements
• Memory, history, and cultural heritage
• Subcultures and countercultures
• Representation, power, and cultural politics
• Emerging cultural practices and critical futures

We are particularly interested in writers who can identify meaningful connections between culture, history, politics, society, and lived experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and pitch original article ideas
• Research subjects using reliable primary and secondary sources
• Produce long-form essays, cultural criticism, analysis, and research-based features
• Provide historical, political, and cultural context rather than treating subjects in isolation
• Conduct interviews or incorporate documented voices where appropriate
• Attribute and document sources accurately
• Work with editors through the Rock & Art editorial process
• Revise drafts based on substantive editorial feedback
• Contribute to larger editorial clusters and knowledge projects
• Identify connections between your work and existing Rock & Art content
• Follow the principles and standards of the Rock & Art Editorial System (RAES)

You will not be expected to know RAES before applying; relevant processes and editorial standards will be introduced as part of the collaboration.

Requirements

You do not need to be a professional journalist to apply. We are interested in people who can demonstrate strong writing, research ability, and genuine engagement with their subject. You may be:

• An experienced cultural journalist or writer
• An emerging writer building a portfolio
• An independent researcher or scholar
• A student or graduate in the humanities, social sciences, arts, or related fields
• A cultural worker, artist, or practitioner with a particular area of knowledge
• Someone with substantial independent knowledge of a cultural field or community

We value intellectual curiosity over credentials. Strong candidates will generally demonstrate:

• Excellent written English
• Strong research and analytical skills
• The ability to develop an argument rather than simply describe a subject
• An understanding of the importance of context
• Careful use of sources and evidence
• Intellectual honesty
• Openness to editorial feedback
• Sensitivity when working with complex or contested subjects
• Reliability and respect for agreed deadlines

Knowledge of other languages is welcome, particularly where it allows you to bring underrepresented perspectives, sources, or cultural contexts to English-language cultural journalism.

Editorial approach

Rock & Art is committed to journalism that asks questions rather than assuming answers. We believe:

• Context must precede judgement
• Evidence matters more than assumption
• Complex subjects deserve complexity
• Representation carries responsibility
• Editorial independence matters
• Knowledge is collective

We do not expect every contributor to share the same opinions or interpretations. We do expect contributors to engage seriously with evidence, acknowledge uncertainty, represent other people’s work and perspectives responsibly, and be willing to reconsider an argument when the evidence requires it.

What you can expect

Although this is an unpaid volunteer position, we aim to make the experience meaningful and professionally structured. You can expect:

• A clearly defined editorial process
• Editorial guidance and feedback
• Access to Rock & Art’s editorial frameworks and standards
• The opportunity to develop published work for your portfolio
• Attribution of your published work
• The opportunity to contribute to a growing international cultural knowledge project
• Opportunities to collaborate with writers, researchers, and editors from different backgrounds
• The possibility of developing into additional editorial or research responsibilities as the project grows

We will not promise unrealistic workloads or expect volunteers to treat Rock & Art as a full-time job. We prioritize consistent, high-quality contributions over quantity.

Schedule

This is a flexible volunteer role. The expected commitment will depend on the type and scope of work undertaken. Contributors may participate on an occasional, project-based, or ongoing basis. Reliability is key: if you agree to take on an assignment or deadline, we need you to communicate clearly and follow through.

Location: Remote — worldwide. This is not an employment position, and there is no financial compensation. The role is open to emerging and experienced writers, with English as the primary language of collaboration.