Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Six Questions for Leah Block, Editor, International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) Publishes

IHRAF Publishes invites writers to submit poetry, creative nonfiction, short fiction, essays or any other format that comes from the heart, and focuses on social and activist themes.  We do not currently offer monetary remuneration, and publish semi-monthly (every two weeks). Learn more here.

SQF: What are the goals of the IHRAF and how does IHRAF Publishes fit into the organization’s mission?

Leah Block: The International Human Rights Art Festival offers an ongoing series of art-advocacy events, festivals, workshops and community programs at the intersection of art, spirit and society.  We open up space to hear different points of view, to listen to unique stories and perspectives.  We believe that beauty, sincerity and vulnerability are the most powerful tools in the activist’s toolbox.  We engage in open-hearted creativity and discourse with politicians, social leaders and others as partners, not adversaries.  We partner with artists whose work is based in the mystical/activist "I am" or "I should," as opposed to the political/religious/oppositional "you are" or "you should."  We open space for healing, reflection and engagement with those we agree with, as well as others who might seem foreign.  The International Human Rights Art Festival is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization.

IHRAF Publishes expands our mission by offering a unique space for creative voices to be heard, as well as reach new audiences.  We feel that all creative outlets in service to the common good add to positive energy, and are excited to offer this new initiative.


SQF: How did you come to be involved with IHRAF?

Leah Block: I worked as a publishing intern at One Story; Indolent Arts Foundation; Dystel, Goderich, & Bourret LLC; and the Franklin Park Reading Series, all in New York City.  “Working as editor of IHRAF Publishes offers the next step in my development, as well as my chance to make a personal mark within the human rights publishing field.”


SQF: What are the top three things you look for in a submission and why?

LB: Firstly, it must fit our themes -- human rights, sincerity, vulnerability, no anger, beauty.  Anger often underpins the desire to create work addressing social ills, but we must see a transformation of this energy into beauty and vulnerability.  Then, of course, we look for a personal voice and strong writing!


SQF: What most often turns you off to a submission?

LB: Anger.  Self-indulgence.  Poor editing.


SQF: What do you look for in the opening paragraph(s)/stanza(s) of a submission?

LB: A strong, personal opening.  New imagery (not re-hashed).


SQF: What one question on this topic do you wish I'd asked that I didn't? And how would you answer it?

LB: I think you hit all the right notes!


Thank you, Leah. We all appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to participate in this project.

Next up: Friday, 8/23 IHRAF Publishes - Youth

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