We’re hosting an online live chat today to answer questions about the Knight/NEA Community Arts Journalism Challenge, an eight-city contest that seeks new models for arts journalism.  Read more about it, and join the conversation at EDT 2 p.m. today at artsjournalism.org.

Meanwhile, check out The NEA’s blog, where Juan Devis of KCET New Media talks about the importance of arts criticism in local journalism.

“Beyond writing a review and sharing an informed opinion, the art critic must become a context provider who creates stories that are not an end to themselves, but instead act as the seeds for engagement,” writes Devis.

In today’s world, cultural moderators can reach communities like never before.  It’s exciting.  It’s invigorating.  And we want to help you get in on it.   If you have ideas about shedding new light on what’s going on in the arts world around you, join us at artsjournalism.org.