Goldring Arts Journalism

Organizations to Join

The American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
http://www.americantheatrecritics.org
ATCA's mission is to improve communication among theater critics and to increase public awareness of theatre. The ATCA site has info on conferences and awards, plus theatre news.

AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programs)
http://www.awpwriter.org/wcc/index.htm
AWP is a network for 25,000 writers and writing teachers at more than 400 member colleges and universities. This site is a great resource for info on conferences, writing centers and other tools to improve your craft.

College Critics Association (CCA)
http://www.collegecritics.com
Serves film critics at more than 135 colleges and universities. Registered members have access to press kits from major movie studios, message boards and links to useful sites. Sponsored by Movies.com.

The Dance Critics Association (DCA)
http://www.dancecritics.org/
DCA has more than 200 members worldwide. The association hosts an annual conference that brings together critics, editors, scholars and performers to discuss issues that impact the world of dance in general, and dance criticism in particular. DCA's newsletter and conference info are available on the Web site.

The International Art Critics Association /USA (AICA/USA)
http://www.aica-int.org/eng/
The International Association of Art Critics combines the National Associations created in 71 countries. AICA's main objective is "to serve contemporary creativity." It protects the ethical and professional interests of art critics and facilitates international exchanges.

Jazz Journalists Association
http://www.jazzhouse.org
JJA is the professional group that for jazz writers. The Web site includes a library, photo gallery, discussion forums and a membership database (for members only).

Music Critics Association of North America (MCANA)
http://www.mcana.org
MCANA's aim is to strengthen the practice of writing about classical music. Its Web site includes a members list, a newsletter and membership information.

PEN American Center
http://www.pen.org
PEN American Center is the largest of the 141 centers of International PEN, the world's oldest human rights organization and the oldest international literary organization. PEN's mission is to advance literature, to promote a culture of reading and to defend free expression.

Society of Professional Journalists
http://www.spj.org
SPJ is the largest journalism organization. It runs seminars and provides info on careers, ethics and more. SPJ's magazine, Quill, is published nine times a year.