What is Runway Journal?
Runway Journal is an open-access digital publication that commissions, cultivates and preserves experimental and critical writing practices. Established in 2002, Runway originally began initially as a hardcopy publication, and transitioned into digital-platform in 2012. Recognised as one of Australia’s longest-running artist-run initiatives, Runway remains committed to advancing the field of experimental digital art and fostering the practices of emerging and underrepresented voices. To find out more or to read our organisation bio, click here.
Who manages Runway Journal?
Runway is powered by a voluntary-run board of artists and arts workers based across Australia. Operating collaboratively, board members have dedicated roles across development, digital production, design, strategy, editorial, communications, and engagement. The 2023 members are Mariam Ella Arcilla and Sarah Hibbs (Co-Chairs), Laura Pike (Deputy Chair), Akil Ahmat (Treasurer/Editor) Yuna Lee (Secretary/Editor), Bea Rubio-Gabriel (Editor), Georgia Hayward (Editor), Akil Ahamat (Editor), Yuanyu Li (Digital Producer), Julie Ha (Digital Producer), Claude Moelan (Digital Producer), Mike Spiteri, (Digital Producer), and Sam Soh (Digital Producer). For a full list of our past board members and Guest Editors click here.
When will the next Issue be released?
Runway Journal’s upcoming publication Issue 47: MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) will be out in late October 2023 via a new-look platform. Guest edited by Riana Head-Toussaint, MMORPG will feature ten newly-commissioned digital works that explore gamer culture, data sovereignty, code switching, worldbuilding, architecture, anarchy and freedom. The Issue 47: MMORPG contributors are: Chia Amisola, Emma Pham & Emma Harbridge, Jonathan Craig, Kathryn Gledhill-Tucker & Vidya Rajan, Kin Francis, Moonis Ahmad, Naomi Segal, Neil Cabatingan, Olivia Koh, and Robin Eames. To celebrate the launch, Runway is hosting a free launch program supported by ACMI on Saturday 4 November. Details here.
How can I join the Runway Journal board?
Each year, Runway announces an open call for board member positions, usually around October or November. Each board member serves a voluntary two-year term. During this time, the board engages in a collaborative structure that encourages team-work, circulatory knowledge and cross-skills development. We operate on a ‘1 seat–1 vote’ format and take an equitable and collaborative approach towards directing the organisation’s goals, activities and workflow.
How did Runway Journal begin?
Runway was established in 2002 by artists Matina Bourmas and Jaki Middleton, under the organisation name The Invisible Inc. Beginning its origin in print, Runway’s first edition Issue #1: EXCHANGE, was released as a zine-sized 40-page publication with black-and-white printed content. For the next series of Issues, the founders received seed funding as well as support from Firstdraft ARI, via shared board members and occasional office space. This enabled them to expand and restructure the format, and move to a full-colour publication in 2007 with Issue #9 CHANGE.
Launch events, podcasts, satellite projects and performances became a key part of each Issue’s development, with the introduction of guest editors to expand the publication’s knowledge, diversity and reach. During this period, The Invisible Inc. also created the The Invisible Reading Room, a portable zine library housed in a shipping container as part of Next Wave Festival (2006), curated exhibitions at PICA, Australia (2007) and Irish/Australian emerging video art show in Dublin, Ireland (2007).
The Invisible Inc. eventually became known as Runway Journal, and in 2012, Runway published its last printed edition Issue #22: SITE. In 2014, we transitioned to an open-access online platform (www.runway.org.au), beginning with the first digital edition Issue #23: PROTOTYPE. The decision to cease our print production was made to create a more sustainable and accessible publication for readers, and to expand our audiences nationally and globally. In addition, the new digital platform allowed the organisation to become more responsive to new forms and currents, and allocate a significant proportion of its budget directly to commissioned artists, writers and curators.
What programs do Runway manage?
Since 2019, Runway has published two themed digital issues annually. Each Issue is shaped by an invited Guest Editor and is produced in collaboration with the Runway board. Each Issue features newly-commissioned artistic, written and multidisciplinary works that champion critical, bold and experimental practice.
In 2023, Runway will present one themed Issue, slated for release in October 2023. This strategic decision was made by the Co-Chairs and the board to allocate significant time towards improving digital access and revamping our website, as well as managing program operations, board upskilling, and succession planning for our organisation.
Runway has been running the Conversations platform since 2018, which is a commissioned series focused on responsive arts criticism. Published in an on-going capacity outside of our Issue lifecycle, the works featured include responsive exhibition reviews, artist profiles, essays, interviews and more.
Is Runway open to partnerships?
Yes! Collegiality and collaboration are core values that inform Runway Journal’s program.
In 2022, Bundanon Trust awarded Runway with a week-long creative residency to develop Issue #45: Asemic in collaboration with the Guest Editor and contributors.
Across 2021– 2022, Runway partnered with All Conference and disorganising to publish texts focusing on the network of artist-led, experimental and cross-disciplinary arts organisations in Australia and internationally, including Liquid Architecture, Pari, Blindside, and Green Papaya.
For 2022 – 2023, we teamed up with Parallel Structures to produce Parallel Conversations to support twelve contributors to advance critical, bold and experimental thinking on ways of enacting structural change in Australian art institutions, with a focus on regional art museums and spaces.
Other partnerships include the co-presentation of a 2024 publication and public program with Arts House and Urban Theatre Projects, which will involve the dissemination of knowledge constellated by the participating artists of the Counterflows program.
From time to time, Runway also presents on-site and digital events, public programs, and industry events. If you are an organisation with values that align with Runway, please reach out to us at runway@runway.org.au to start a conversation about ways in which we could work together.
Can I submit my work to Runway?
We are open to submissions during the callout period for Issues and accept expressions of interest for written, artistic, and multidisciplinary works that respond to thematic frameworks curated by Guest Editors. In 2023, our callout period will take place from April-May. Applications to Issues via callouts are reviewed by a selection committee that includes Runway’s board members and the Issue’s Guest Editor. Applications are evaluated based upon how well they address the selection criteria. At present, we are scheduling our Conversations and Parallel Conversations commissioning calendar, so we are taking any submissions currently. Join our mailing list here to stay informed on opportunities.
How does Runway select Guest Editors?
Each Guest Editor is selected by Runway Journal’s board via a collaborative process. This process begins by inviting all Runway Journal board members to consider and nominate names of potential Guest Editors who they feel align with Runway’s ethics, vision, and values. Each of the names is discussed and the Guest Editor is collectively decided upon by the board, before a formal invitation is made to invite the Guest Editor for an upcoming Issue with enough lead time to formulate a curatorial framework and theme.
For a full list of our past board members and Guest Editors, click here.
I'd like to support Runway! How do I best do this?
Easy! You can show Runway some love by donating here. Your support helps our volunteer-run board to actively support the practices of emerging and under-represented artists by commissioning new work and sustaining operational costs associated with running our open-access journal. Over the past two decades, the Runway Journal has maintained an unwavering commitment to support artists, writers, and creatives through the collaborative development of new commissions, knowledge-sharing opportunities and professional development programs.
How can I get in touch with Runway?
Email us via runway@runway.org.au
How do I stay in the loop?
Sign up to Runway's newsletter here and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
What is Runway Journal?
Runway Journal is an open-access digital publication that commissions, cultivates and preserves experimental and critical writing practices. Established in 2002, Runway originally began initially as a hardcopy publication, and transitioned into digital-platform in 2012. Recognised as one of Australia’s longest-running artist-run initiatives, Runway remains committed to advancing the field of experimental digital art and fostering the practices of emerging and underrepresented voices. To find out more or to read our organisation bio, click here.
Who manages Runway Journal?
Runway is powered by a voluntary-run board of artists and arts workers based across Australia. Operating collaboratively, board members have dedicated roles across development, digital production, design, strategy, editorial, communications, and engagement. The 2023 members are Mariam Ella Arcilla and Sarah Hibbs (Co-Chairs), Laura Pike (Deputy Chair), Akil Ahmat (Treasurer/Editor) Yuna Lee (Secretary/Editor), Bea Rubio-Gabriel (Editor), Georgia Hayward (Editor), Akil Ahamat (Editor), Yuanyu Li (Digital Producer), Julie Ha (Digital Producer), Claude Moelan (Digital Producer), Mike Spiteri, (Digital Producer), and Sam Soh (Digital Producer). For a full list of our past board members and Guest Editors click here.
When will the next Issue be released?
Runway Journal’s upcoming publication Issue 47: MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) will be out in late October 2023 via a new-look platform. Guest edited by Riana Head-Toussaint, MMORPG will feature ten newly-commissioned digital works that explore gamer culture, data sovereignty, code switching, worldbuilding, architecture, anarchy and freedom. The Issue 47: MMORPG contributors are: Chia Amisola, Emma Pham & Emma Harbridge, Jonathan Craig, Kathryn Gledhill-Tucker & Vidya Rajan, Kin Francis, Moonis Ahmad, Naomi Segal, Neil Cabatingan, Olivia Koh, and Robin Eames. To celebrate the launch, Runway is hosting a free launch program supported by ACMI on Saturday 4 November. Details here.
How can I join the Runway Journal board?
Each year, Runway announces an open call for board member positions, usually around October or November. Each board member serves a voluntary two-year term. During this time, the board engages in a collaborative structure that encourages team-work, circulatory knowledge and cross-skills development. We operate on a ‘1 seat–1 vote’ format and take an equitable and collaborative approach towards directing the organisation’s goals, activities and workflow.
How did Runway Journal begin?
Runway was established in 2002 by artists Matina Bourmas and Jaki Middleton, under the organisation name The Invisible Inc. Beginning its origin in print, Runway’s first edition Issue #1: EXCHANGE, was released as a zine-sized 40-page publication with black-and-white printed content. For the next series of Issues, the founders received seed funding as well as support from Firstdraft ARI, via shared board members and occasional office space. This enabled them to expand and restructure the format, and move to a full-colour publication in 2007 with Issue #9 CHANGE.
Launch events, podcasts, satellite projects and performances became a key part of each Issue’s development, with the introduction of guest editors to expand the publication’s knowledge, diversity and reach. During this period, The Invisible Inc. also created the The Invisible Reading Room, a portable zine library housed in a shipping container as part of Next Wave Festival (2006), curated exhibitions at PICA, Australia (2007) and Irish/Australian emerging video art show in Dublin, Ireland (2007).
The Invisible Inc. eventually became known as Runway Journal, and in 2012, Runway published its last printed edition Issue #22: SITE. In 2014, we transitioned to an open-access online platform (www.runway.org.au), beginning with the first digital edition Issue #23: PROTOTYPE. The decision to cease our print production was made to create a more sustainable and accessible publication for readers, and to expand our audiences nationally and globally. In addition, the new digital platform allowed the organisation to become more responsive to new forms and currents, and allocate a significant proportion of its budget directly to commissioned artists, writers and curators.
What programs do Runway manage?
Since 2019, Runway has published two themed digital issues annually. Each Issue is shaped by an invited Guest Editor and is produced in collaboration with the Runway board. Each Issue features newly-commissioned artistic, written and multidisciplinary works that champion critical, bold and experimental practice.
In 2023, Runway will present one themed Issue, slated for release in October 2023. This strategic decision was made by the Co-Chairs and the board to allocate significant time towards improving digital access and revamping our website, as well as managing program operations, board upskilling, and succession planning for our organisation.
Runway has been running the Conversations platform since 2018, which is a commissioned series focused on responsive arts criticism. Published in an on-going capacity outside of our Issue lifecycle, the works featured include responsive exhibition reviews, artist profiles, essays, interviews and more.
Is Runway open to partnerships?
Yes! Collegiality and collaboration are core values that inform Runway Journal’s program.
In 2022, Bundanon Trust awarded Runway with a week-long creative residency to develop Issue #45: Asemic in collaboration with the Guest Editor and contributors.
Across 2021– 2022, Runway partnered with All Conference and disorganising to publish texts focusing on the network of artist-led, experimental and cross-disciplinary arts organisations in Australia and internationally, including Liquid Architecture, Pari, Blindside, and Green Papaya.
For 2022 – 2023, we teamed up with Parallel Structures to produce Parallel Conversations to support twelve contributors to advance critical, bold and experimental thinking on ways of enacting structural change in Australian art institutions, with a focus on regional art museums and spaces.
Other partnerships include the co-presentation of a 2024 publication and public program with Arts House and Urban Theatre Projects, which will involve the dissemination of knowledge constellated by the participating artists of the Counterflows program.
From time to time, Runway also presents on-site and digital events, public programs, and industry events. If you are an organisation with values that align with Runway, please reach out to us at runway@runway.org.au to start a conversation about ways in which we could work together.
Can I submit my work to Runway?
We are open to submissions during the callout period for Issues and accept expressions of interest for written, artistic, and multidisciplinary works that respond to thematic frameworks curated by Guest Editors. In 2023, our callout period will take place from April-May. Applications to Issues via callouts are reviewed by a selection committee that includes Runway’s board members and the Issue’s Guest Editor. Applications are evaluated based upon how well they address the selection criteria. At present, we are scheduling our Conversations and Parallel Conversations commissioning calendar, so we are taking any submissions currently. Join our mailing list here to stay informed on opportunities.
How does Runway select Guest Editors?
Each Guest Editor is selected by Runway Journal’s board via a collaborative process. This process begins by inviting all Runway Journal board members to consider and nominate names of potential Guest Editors who they feel align with Runway’s ethics, vision, and values. Each of the names is discussed and the Guest Editor is collectively decided upon by the board, before a formal invitation is made to invite the Guest Editor for an upcoming Issue with enough lead time to formulate a curatorial framework and theme.
For a full list of our past board members and Guest Editors, click here.
I'd like to support Runway! How do I best do this?
Easy! You can show Runway some love by donating here. Your support helps our volunteer-run board to actively support the practices of emerging and under-represented artists by commissioning new work and sustaining operational costs associated with running our open-access journal. Over the past two decades, the Runway Journal has maintained an unwavering commitment to support artists, writers, and creatives through the collaborative development of new commissions, knowledge-sharing opportunities and professional development programs.
How can I get in touch with Runway?
Email us via runway@runway.org.au
How do I stay in the loop?
Sign up to Runway's newsletter here and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Runway Journal acknowledges the custodians of the nations our digital platform reaches. We extend this acknowledgement to all First Nations artists, writers and audiences.
Runway Journal is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Runway Journal receives project support from the NSW Government through Create NSW.
Runway Journal acknowledges the custodians of the nations our digital platform reaches. We extend this acknowledgement to all First Nations artists, writers and audiences.
Runway Journal is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
Runway Journal receives project support from the NSW Government through Create NSW.