How is the Internet changing cultural criticism—or the ways we perceive and make art? How can arts journalism survive and thrive in a networked age? In an era of DIY media, when everyone's a critic, curator, and creator, what does it mean to be a professional art critic? As lead organizer and co-emcee of this three-day international conference, I worked to address these and other questions about digital cultural publishing's current challenges and its possible futures.
Held May 28–30, 2015 at the Walker Art Center, Superscript showcased 17 writers, editors, and artists (from poet Claudia La Rocco and Los Angeles Times critic Christopher Knight to Pitchfork CEO Ryan Schreiber and The New Inquiry’s Ayesha Siddiqi), two keynotes (James Bridle, Ben Davis), two film premieres, and a closing party DJ’d by YACHT’s Claire Evans, among other events. In addition to managing speaker selection and relations, event logistics and marketing, contracts and invoicing, accessibility initiatives, and promoting Superscript on media outlets (from KFAI Community Radio to the Columbia Journalism Review), I created a parallel online program of commissioned writings from artists, editors, and technologists on themes not addressed within the conference.
The three-day program was webcast live (and then archived) on the Walker website and YouTube. A stenographer provided live transcription for both journalists and those in needing assistive devices, and the proceedings were live-tweeted throughout. To enact the values of the conference, a blog mentorship program paired three emerging arts writers with three seasoned pros in covering the proceedings live, with stories running on Walker Reader, Mn Artists, and Hyperallergic.
After trending nationally on Twitter during the event—due, in part, to our quirky motivational poster–style quotation cards—the hashtag remained active for years thanks in part to this ongoing series of writings.
Press for Superscript
"What is the role of the digital-age arts critic? Superscript conference hopes for answers," Columbia Journalism Review, Chris Ip, May 19, 2015.
"Everyone's a Critic: Walker's Superscript Conference Ponders the Future of Arts Journalism," City Pages, May 27, 2015.
“Good news! Art criticism is not dead,” Glasstire, Christina Rees, June 2, 2015.
"Superscript: Two Days in an Auditorium with Art Critics," Art F City, Paddy Johnson, June 4, 2015.
"Same As It Ever Was: A Conference on Art Criticism in the Digital Age," Art In America, William S. Smith, June 5, 2015.
“Supescript Walker Art Center/Minneapolis,” Flash Art International, Laura McLean-Ferris, June 5, 2015.
"6 Thoughts on Art and Criticism in a Digital Age," MN Original (Twin Cities Public Television), June 11, 2015.
"Has the Internet Changed Art Criticism? On Service Criticism and A Possible Future," Rhizome, Orit Gat, June 15, 2015.
“Post-Crisis: What’s Next for Art Criticism in a Digital Age,” Momus, Sky Goodden, June 25, 2015.
"Arts Journalism in a Digital Age," New Art Examiner, Tom Mullaney, August/September 2015.
“Report: Superscript: Art Journalism and Criticism in a Digital Age,” Suzanne E. Szucs, afterimage, November 1, 2015.
Visit Superscript Reader to view videos (and read transcripts) of all conference events, read a series of commissioned essays, and see the work of the Superscript Blog Mentorship program.