A biennial publication to challenge barriers faced by racialized women and youth.
From Instagram campaigns to exhibits to social venture start-ups — Flaunt-It continues to explore the various ways our movement can provide a celebratory and empowering platform for women creatives to excel. Now, we are launching an annual visual anthology that will compile the works of several emerging BIWOC artists sharing their stories via various art forms.
Flaunt-It's Magazine is a compilation of stories exploring the intersectional identities of Black, Indigenous, and women of colour (BIWOC). It invites all the stories that have been marginalized from mainstream media. It is a celebration of women, grassroots initiatives, and their creators. Flaunt-It's visual anthology will feature various creative projects which explore identity and our chosen annual themes. These projects will interject the celebration and representation of primarily BIWOC.
After hosting our "Let's Love More" Community Art Show & Exhibit in February 2020, the pandemic empowered Flaunt-It to consider further how we can work with artists, activists, entrepreneurs and leaders of all backgrounds, experiences and skill levels. As we could not host events during the pandemic, we contemplated how we could amplify our platform to truly support underserved and underrepresented artists to feel seen, recognized and empowered. The idea of creating a physical magazine was always a dream, but as a team, we collectively decided that 2021 would be the year we made that dream come true.
Flaunt-It's Let's Love More Exhibit's Opening Night Reception / Gallery Component (February 2020) | Photo Credits: Ashley Say
Flaunt-It's Magazine Launch & 5 Year Anniversary Showcase (December 2021) | Photo Credits: Taylor Gale
Throughout 2021, Flaunt-It has worked with nearly 100 Black, Indigenous, Women of Colour (BIWOC) artists from all across the province to produce our first magazine / visual anthology titled "Love Deeply, Love Often, Love Yourself." It is a collection of literature and visual, digital, + media arts that share the complex identities and narratives of "all the women who have never felt seen." The 200-page magazine is only the first issue of our now annual project. Our inaugural magazine production was a part of the Canadian Women's Foundation's Investment Readiness Program, funded by the Government of Canada.
After seeing the success and impact of the first publication, Flaunt-It's team decided to make the visual anthology publication an official annual project. It has become the best way for Flaunt-It to provide creative and leadership opportunities, including professional training, mentorship, employment, honourariums, etc. The visual anthology is the physical embodiment and collection of stories by racialized people told by their authentic selves. This project is open for any woman, femme and non-binary person to get involved with, regardless of age, experience, ethnicity, income, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a visual anthology?
An anthology is defined as "a published collection of poems or other pieces of writing." Anthologies are commonly found in academic spaces where scholars write chapters or journals to be compiled under one publication. By evolving this concept, Flaunt-It adapted the anthology model to make it more visual. Our anthology combines photo series, short stories, graphic design, visual arts, video thumbnails, playlists, interactive activities, spotlights, and so much more to create an anthology that every viewer would want to read from start to finish.
What makes it a magazine?
The initial goal was to design a magazine, but our Team completely underestimated what 200-pages of high-quality artwork would embody. Nevertheless, we are proud to see what it evolved into and grateful to hold space for many stories. With magazines, readers usually do not read them from start to finish. We knew we wanted our publication to be more like a book for our community to cherish with that in mind. From 2022 onwards, we will no longer be referring to it as a magazine and be calling it a visual anthology. Issue 001 is still available as a soft cover and hard cover publication.
What kind of works can be in the visual anthology?
The projects can be visual, digital, interviews, film, photography, poetry, short stories, recipes, tutorials, activities and more! The sky is the limit. The projects have to focus on an issue the artist is passionate about and relates closely to their identity/experiences of being a BIWOC. Please read more about our annual theme to learn more about the specific guidelines for all submissions and proposals.
What is a CALL FOR PROPOSAL?
Our CALL FOR PROPOSALS allows organizations, businesses and artists to submit ideas for projects they may require support creating. We see this as a way for organizations and businesses to partner and collaborate where you may need Flaunt-It's support to bring an idea to life and project to fruition. You can notify us if you need support planning the project, finding space, models, photographers, and more by submitting a proposal.
When submitting a proposal, Flaunt-It's Core Team will provide feedback on whether or not we can support the project. We will also share whether or not it aligns with the magazine's theme. Proposal spots are limited and will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Note: We cannot guarantee that we can provide all the support requested in one's initial proposal application. However, we will help guide the proposal and support the project as much as possible if approved. It is still up to the artist(s) who submitted to be the lead responsible for the project.
Your application should answer the following questions:
♡ What issue(s) does it address?
♡ Who is featured in it?
♡ Where will it take place?
♡ When can you begin production?
♡ Why is it important?
Note: No honourariums are provided for proposal artists due to the provided financial project coverage (or unless otherwise approved to become considered a submission). However, proposal artists are further highlighted and amplified on our platforms.
What is a CALL FOR SUBMISSION?
Our CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS allows folks to submit finished work into our magazine. An honorarium will be provided for artworks that are selected for the magazine. If artwork is not selected for the magazine, Flaunt-It's Team will provide feedback on why it was not and be given opportunities to work on edits. Flaunt-It's Team aims to accept as many submissions as possible, as long as it aligns with the themes and values of Flaunt-It.
NOTE: We are only accepting projects that have not been published on any other platform yet (ex: another magazine, exhibit, social media). It must remain this way until December 20, 2022. (New date TBA)
When is the deadline to submit?
CALL FOR PROPOSALS = Monday, August 1, 2022 by 11:59 PM (All projects must be completed by September 1)
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS = Thursday, September 1, 2022 by 11:59 PM
What are the timelines?
Submissions & proposals will always open in May.
Both submissions and proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis and within 1-2 business days. The earlier a proposal is submitted, the sooner that production can begin.
The remainder of September is used to approve artists and get final materials organized. October & November is used to compile the visual anthology. A launch event will then occur in mid-December.
Who can submit a piece?
We welcome all women, femme, non-binary, gender-non-conforming or gender-diverse artists, organizations, and businesses to submit a piece. In addition, emerging artists and new/unincorporated/grassroots organizations and businesses are highly encouraged to apply.
We prioritize Black, Indigenous, Women of Colour from primarily underserved communities in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. However, we welcome submissions across Canada.
There are no limitations around age, education, status, income, or any additional social determinants. We aim to make this as barrier-free as possible. The application form will ask demographic-related questions for data collection purposes only.
If you are unsure about your piece and would like to speak to a Flaunt-It Core Team member about your idea, please email community@flauntit.ca.
Is the visual anthology going to be published?
Our first issue was self-published. We are working to get our second issue officially published. However, as it stands, it will be self-published by December.
"I feel like my work isn't good enough" or "I'm scared to submit."
We completely understand the feeling and want you to see this as an opportunity to collaborate with our movement, expand your portfolio, build your CV, experience getting published, and feel the joy of being celebrated. As our team is equipped with professional artists, please reach out to provide honest feedback to help you. We may also be able to connect you with the tools, resources, and mentors that you may need.
