Read an excellent overview of the prospects for the future of arts writing at
http://www.artworldsalon.com/blog/2009/05/after-the-dead-tree/
The Internet offers great opportunities for arts coverage but the central issue of how to pay writers and critics remains. I spent 5 years struggling to make a living as an itinerant critic/writer and it wasn't easy. I was paid as little as $25 an article at some places. Magazines paid better and adding adjunct teaching gigs and other things barely brought in an income of below poverty level. However, artists need arts writers, not just to publicize exhibitions but to offer discussion, analysis and commentary. We don't always like what they write, but imagine the echoing silence of no arts commentary...
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