Critical Playground is a global platform for creative technology, critical making, experimental media, and emerging aesthetics. We publish articles, essays, projects, and opinion pieces that spark ideas, challenge norms, and reflect on the evolving intersection of art, design, and tech.
- What we’re looking for
- Critical essays and thought pieces (800–1500 words)
- News + trends in creative tech (500–800 words)
- Artist/creator profiles (600–1000 words)
- Interviews
- Visual essays or experimental formats
- We're especially interested in
- Global perspectives that push beyond the dominant narratives
- Underrepresented voices in tech, art, and design — especially those shaped by lived experience, not just academic credentials
- Writing that’s sharp, informed, and not afraid to ask questions — even uncomfortable ones
- Ideas that challenge the hype and unpack the nuance in AI, creative tools, and emerging media
- Stories that look sideways — speculative, poetic, or critical insights that don’t fit neatly in boxes
- Contributors who bring theory and practice into conversation, with a voice that’s grounded, curious, and culturally attuned
- Tone + Style
- Informed but accessible
- Voice-driven but not self-indulgent
- Critical, speculative, and culturally tuned-in
- Avoid jargon unless it’s unpacked
- Curiosity is a must; pretension is not
- Editorial Process
- Pitch Submission: Send your idea, angle, and intended format (short paragraph).
- Approval + Commissioning: We’ll respond within 1–2 weeks.
- Draft Deadline: Typically 2–4 weeks after commission.
- Edits: One to two rounds of collaborative edits via Google Docs.
- Publication: Once approved, we’ll schedule a publication date and promote your work across our channels.
- Rights + Attribution
- You retain ownership of your work.
- Critical Playground receives first digital publishing rights and the right to archive and promote your piece in perpetuity.
- If you republish elsewhere, please credit “Originally published on Critical Playground.”
- Compensation
- Flat rate of $150 USD for per piece (previously noted word count) with 5-7 images per piece.
- Payment made via PayPal within 14 days of publication
- How to Pitch
- A short summary of your idea
- Sample links or writing clips
- Your name and bio (150 words or less)
Send your pitch to [submissions@criticalplayground.org] with:
If the editors select your project or are interested in learning more about it, they will reach out to you within 4-6 weeks.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email submissions@criticalplayground.org. We will respond as soon as we can and appreciate your patience.