Esse arts + opinions is partnering with the Hnatyshyn Foundation for the Young Critics Competition. This annual writing competition is open to students registered in an undergraduate or master’s program at a Canadian university. It aims to promote the work of emerging art critics by providing them with editorial support and a first publishing experience in Esse magazine.

With this competition founded in 2003, Esse has given itself the mandate to support new talent while developing critical thought in contemporary art. The Hnatyshyn Foundation is a private charity created to assist emerging and established artists in all disciplines with their schooling, training and career development. Its programs are funded by donations from government, foundations, corporations and individuals.

Terms of the Competition

Your submission can take the form of an essay or a review (exhibition, event, performance, theatre, dance, music, visual art, or site-specific intervention), corresponding to the magazine’s editorial policy. Articles should be between 750 and 1,250 words in length (notes included).

The winner’s essay will be published in the fall issue of Esse. The author will receive a $1,000 bursary, support from the editorial board for the final edit, and a two-year subscription to the magazine. The winner will also have the opportunity to publish a second text, with an additional honorarium of $500, on our online platform.

Two $500 bursaries will be awarded to the finalists, along with the online publication of their essay. The finalists will receive a one-year subscription to the magazine.

The next submission deadline is May 10, 2026. To submit an essay (docx or rtf format) or for more information, contact us at: redaction@esse.ca. Please write “Young Critics Competition” in the subject line and provide a short 30-word bio mentioning your current studies.