Call for Pitches for FILTH

C164—Autumn 2026

Accepted until: March 6, 2026

We invite you to engage with filth and all that it might entail, artistically and politically. We are especially interested in submissions that explore the value (or, alternatively, lack thereof) accorded to “filth” as an aesthetic quality. For instance, what does what a given social milieu label as “filth” teach us about that society? Can we conceive of “filth” without its racialized foil: “purity,” “cleanliness,” etc? Alternatively, other concepts filth might be tied to include: fecundity, transformations of matter that (re)fuel cycles of life, biologically rich spaces like bogs, resilient ancient beings, or overturning codes of morality. What needs to be excreted to release the entire system? Can filth embody a different sense of a productive space? Think: vulgarity, “dirty” materials, contamination, waste, overconsumption, transmutation, mud, compost, and practices honouring filth and its sacredness.

We are seeking pitches for thematic Features of all kinds and creative ideas for our Composition column, which encourages artists’ visuals alongside experimental thought/text conceived for a print format. Bring us your wild ideas! We also welcome Reviews pitches, not required to be on theme.

Send pitches to pitch@cmagazine.com by March 6, 2026, with a subject line that starts with the word PITCH and indicates the submission type (review, essay, interview, composition, e.g.).

What to include:
*~150 words about your subject and how you’ll approach it, including hyperlinks if relevant *An estimated word count (except for Reviews, which run 800-1000 words) *If you have not written for us recently, please include a link to your website or a copy of CV for us to learn more about you, and one or two writing samples (ideally ones in a style similar to your pitched piece). We do not publish reprints or previously written pieces unless with prior discussion. See our writer’s guidelines for more information.

Please understand that due to capacity, we are unable to reply to all pitches, and welcome you to pitch elsewhere if you do not hear back within 4 weeks after the call closes.

Note about conflicts of interest: we do not accept pitches from platforms regarding their own programming.