public program

The Critic’s Craft: Writing engaging and ethical arts criticism


Instagram Post (85).png

January 22 and January 23, 2021


When: 1pm to 3pm

Where: The Mill Exhibition Space, 154 Angas St

Cost: $20 + booking fee (attend both for $30 + booking fee using discount code)


Presented by The Mill and Jess Martin, this two part workshop series will guide participants through the essential skills of writing engaging and generous arts criticism, including how to develop a critical voice and start getting published as a reviewer.

About the workshops

Workshop One, January 22: Pitching and Structure for Arts Reviews

This workshop will cover the ins and outs of choosing what to write about and pitching to publications. We will also get into how to structure a review to achieve clarity, word length, and the expectations of publishers. Workshop One will deliver local industry knowledge for getting published as well as the key skills to get started as a reviewer.

Workshop Two, January 23: Writing Approaches and the Ethics of Arts Criticism

Workshop Two is all about the skills to make your writing stand out and develop toward a career as a generous and engaging arts critic. This workshop will also discuss how to make responsible choices in writing positive and negative reviews, and how to find bold and interesting angles to write from. We’ll get into the nitty gritty of writing techniques, how to frame feedback for performers, as well as how to get readers’ attention and keep them on the hook for your whole review.

The Mill is an accessible space. Disability access is available via Angas St, and a disability toilet is also available. If you have any questions or additional accessibility requirements, please contact us at info@themilladelaide.com


About the writer

Jess Martin is a freelance writer and interdisciplinary artist based on Kaurna land in Adelaide. They have extensive experience as an arts critic, published in The Adelaide Review, Witness Performance, and Fest Magazine among others. Jess is interested in experimental performance, sharing experiences of queerness and disability, and making work in regional contexts. They also have experience facilitating creative projects and workshops as a poet, performer and textile artist. Jess is currently Writer in Residence at The Mill, and was programmed in National Young Writers’ Festival 2020.