Root Quarterly (RQ) is a print-only, subscription-based quarterly journal rooted in Philadelphia, but presenting content from Pennsylvania and beyond. We celebrate our artists, writers, social entrepreneurs, and neighborhoods, and print critical analyses of larger ideas, and criticism and appreciation of nationally relevant cultural touchstones. We also reprint articles and essays from other publications that we think deserve a larger audience. Expect profiles, recommendations, fiction, poetry, essays, and analysis. Expect art. Expect to hold something in your hand that you might want to curl up with on a Sunday afternoon that may by turns delight, challenge, and inspire you.
RQ is One Part Collaborative Art Project…
RQ is beautiful, carefully curated, and culturally relevant. Our team consists of professional editors, writers, photographers, and artists who want to make something interesting and insightful. It’s a self-funded project published by Red Pen Arts founder Heather Shayne Blakeslee; she also serves as editor-in-chief.
…And One Part Social Experiment
RQ will seek opportunities to bring people together by finding common ground, challenging reactionary and divisive politics, fostering civil dialogue, and celebrating interesting artists and ideas. It will not offer full content online, it won’t spend precious resources on constant interactions on social media, and it won’t have a comments section—but thoughtful letters to the editor will be most welcome.
This winter, we’re intentionally (and strategically) expanding our reach across the Keystone State to collaborate and build community with our counterparts in Pittsburgh. Artistically and politically, ours is a diverse and fascinating state; one to watch, for sure! As we continue to engage in the BIG conversations, we’d love to welcome you and yours as subscribers, contributors, and partners.
To learn more about who we are, subscribe and submit, please visit us at rootquarterly.com or drop us a line at editor@rootquarterly.com.
Upcoming Opportunities
WINTER // Fearful Symmetry // PITCH DEADLINE: OCTOBER 10
Tradeoffs are part of any endeavor, philosophy, or bargain. What does that mean when it comes to surveillance capitalism? To public policy? To art? Are echoes of the past not ghosts, but guidance? Can we be wrong and right at the same time? How do we live in a precariously balanced world? This is our Keystone State crossover issue. We’ve extended our deadline for Littsburgh subscribers to October 10.
SPRING // Lions & Lambs // PITCH DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 15
Conversation about “the God-shaped hole” in modern people’s lives is mounting. Are new religions emergent? Who are the new heretics? How do we hold both peace and violence in ourselves? What does it mean to love? What role should spirituality play in our lives? How much are we different from, and the same as, other animals?
An Interview with Root Quarterly Publisher and Editor Heather Shayne Blakeslee:
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