Call for Submissions – Les Avalanches

New Zine Focused on the Structures and Mechanisms of the Live Arts Scene in Quebec

Created by a collective of artists from multiple live arts disciplines, Avalanches is a zine that will anonymously voice marginal discourses. The evident lack of critical discourse in our field is our primary inspiration for this zine.

Editorial Line:

Avalanches aims to be a publication that compiles texts critical of the live arts scene in Quebec. Whether it be critiques of a performance or a work, an institution, or the mechanisms of the industry: everything is fair game. We are looking for sharp and critical texts that offer more radical perspectives to fill the gaping void left by traditional print publications focused on live arts.

We are seeking texts of varying lengths (minimum 15 words, maximum 2000 words). The texts can take any form the author chooses: prose, critique, poetry, crosswords – the style matters little, only the quality of the argument counts. We want texts that are uncompromising, provocative pieces that stir the public, challenge the complacent, and dismantle the status quo.

In short, texts that will make a lasting impression.

Submission Process:

Published texts must be anonymous. Thus, submissions to our email box ensure anonymity for authors wishing to speak out. We recognize that a name attached to a controversial piece (even if benign in its discourse) can harm an artist’s career. Therefore, we act as a safe space to protect those who wish to speak up, shed light on issues, or make denunciations. However, no individuals may be named in the texts. We will be strict on this point; this is not a space for defamation but for critique. That said, institutions, names of performances, or precise descriptions are allowed (e.g., “such a performance at such a venue was mediocre, what an incredible lack of creativity!”).

Please note that, aside from proofreading and suggested adjustments in writing level, there will be no editing of submitted texts.

Please send your submissions by May 5, 2024, to the following address: paricilesavalanches@hotmail.com in Word format only.

The first edition of the zine will be published in mid-May 2024 and will be distributed widely during the live arts festival period.