“`html

Call for Pitches: Visual Art and Cultural Production in the Middle ⁣East and North Africa

Deadline⁣ for Pitches: February 23, ‍2026

Middle East report (MERIP) invites ⁢submissions for it’s Summer 2026 issue, focusing‍ on visual art and cultural production‍ in the Middle East ⁣and North Africa (MENA). this call seeks innovative and critical explorations of artistic practices within thier complex political, social, and material contexts.

Exploring the Landscape of Art and Culture

We are interested in pieces that move ⁢beyond surface-level observations to ⁣investigate the underlying conditions that shape cultural production. Submissions should consider the political possibilities enabled or⁤ expressed through art, and the material realities of‍ its creation and circulation. We welcome a diverse range ⁣of perspectives and formats, including:

• Analytical articles
• Dispatches from the field
• Review essays
• Interviews with artists and‍ cultural producers
• Visual essays

Potential‍ Areas of ⁣Inquiry

The editors encourage submissions that delve into, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Material Politics⁤ and Economic Pathways: Examining the production⁣ of art, its economic underpinnings, and its⁣ movement through official and unofficial channels.
• Decolonial, Feminist, and socially‍ Grounded Approaches: Analyzing artistic practise and circulation through ancient, decolonial, feminist, and socially conscious lenses.
• Art in Times of Crisis: Investigating the artistic ⁤and aesthetic responses to genocidal events, particularly in relation to the ongoing situation in gaza.
• the impact of Technology: Exploring how ⁣shifts in technology,including artificial intelligence⁢ (AI) and open-access content,are reshaping cultural production.
• Networks of Circulation: Mapping the connections between local, regional, and global artistic networks, ⁣and the dynamics of cultural consumption and transnational solidarity.
• Grassroots ‍Movements and State Initiatives: Examining the role ⁤of self-reliant collectives, avant-garde movements, and state-led projects in shaping the cultural landscape.

Submission Guidelines

MERIP is committed to providing critical,alternative,and accessible reporting and analysis.We welcome contributions from writers ⁢of all ⁤backgrounds ⁣and experience levels. our editorial team offers comprehensive guidance, feedback, and support throughout the publication process.

To pitch an idea: Please send a brief description (approximately one paragraph) and a short biography to ⁢ cfp@merip.