Organizer Information
Equality Institute (EQI) is an Australian social enterprise and advocacy organization focused on advancing gender equality, intersectional feminism, and social justice through research, education, creative practice, and community engagement. The organization works across cultural, academic, and activist spaces to support conversations and projects addressing systemic inequality, violence against women and girls, and broader issues connected to equity and inclusion.
Folding Chair is EQI’s digital journal and publishing platform. Inspired by the famous statement by Shirley Chisholm encouraging people to “bring a folding chair” when excluded from institutional spaces, the platform centers underrepresented voices and critical perspectives. Through essays, poetry, photography, film, and interdisciplinary storytelling, Folding Chair aims to create an accessible and politically engaged publication space for artists, writers, researchers, and cultural practitioners worldwide.
The platform particularly values contributions from marginalized communities and encourages experimental, personal, and research-driven work that challenges dominant narratives around gender, identity, and power.
Title & Description
Folding Chair 2026 - Submission Guidelines
Folding Chair invites global submissions of writing, photography, and film exploring themes related to gender equality, intersectional feminism, violence against women and girls, social justice, identity, activism, and cultural change.
The publication welcomes both personal and critical approaches, encouraging contributors to share stories, research, lived experiences, artistic reflections, and creative interventions that spark meaningful dialogue. The platform supports a wide range of narrative and visual forms, including essays, interviews, poetry, fiction, documentary practices, photography series, and short films.
Submissions may be newly created or pitched as project ideas. Contributors may also submit completed unpublished works. Previously published work can occasionally be considered for republication through agreement with the editorial team, although such works are generally not eligible for payment.
Folding Chair operates through periodic submission windows throughout the year. While submissions are currently closed, artists and writers are encouraged to monitor EQI’s channels for upcoming open periods.
Categories
- Creative Writing
- Critical Essays
- Personal Essays
- Research-Based Writing
- Journalism & Articles
- Interviews
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Photography
- Documentary Photography
- Experimental Film
- Short Film
- Video Art
- Social Practice & Activist Storytelling
- Interdisciplinary Media Practices
Eligibility
The opportunity is open internationally.
EQI welcomes applications from:
- Emerging and established writers and artists
- International contributors
- Researchers and journalists
- Filmmakers and photographers
- Poets and fiction writers
- Contributors from underrepresented communities
- First Nations artists and writers
- BIPOC contributors
- LGBTQIA+ creatives
- Disabled artists and practitioners
There is no stated age restriction.
Applicants do not need to be based in Australia to apply.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected contributors receive professional publication opportunities and artist fees based on the scope and complexity of the work.
Writing Fees
- Short essays, poetry, and articles (up to 800 words):
$200–$400 AUD - Medium-length articles and essays (approximately 900–1,500 words):
$400–$700 AUD - Long-form and research-based essays (approximately 1,500–2,500+ words):
$700–$1,200 AUD
Photography Fees
- Existing photographic images:
$50 AUD per image - Newly commissioned or developed photographic projects:
$450–$600 AUD
Film Fees
Film contributors receive fees for online premiere publishing rights, typically ranging between:
- $450–$1,200 AUD
Additional benefits include:
- Editorial guidance and support
- Visibility through EQI’s publishing platform
- Professional publication contracts
- Transparent payment agreements
- Opportunities to engage with global social justice audiences
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Proposal or pitch
- Completed manuscript or creative work
- Writing samples or portfolio
- Previously published work samples
- Artist/writer biography
- Contact information
- Photography portfolio or film materials, where relevant
For pitches, contributors are encouraged to include examples of previous work to help the editorial team evaluate the proposal.
How to Apply?
Applications and pitches should be submitted via email to foldingchair@equalityinstitute.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Location
Online / Digital Publication Platform
Additional Details
Folding Chair emphasizes ethical publishing practices and equitable compensation for creative labor. The publication positions itself as a socially engaged editorial platform that values transparency, accessibility, and care in its relationships with contributors.
The editorial team notes that due to a high volume of submissions, individualized feedback may not be available for every pitch. Contributors whose work is selected will receive contracts clearly outlining payment terms, publication rights, scope of work, and deadlines.
The publication also highlights its commitment to accessibility and representation by prioritizing contributors from communities historically excluded from mainstream publishing and cultural discourse.
Previously published works may occasionally be republished with permission, though such works are generally unpaid.
All rates, rights agreements, and publication conditions are finalized in writing before publication.