Literary Journal

The Rumen

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About the magazine

The Rumen is an independent arts organization that operates as a curatorial platform and online journal, with a focus on process-driven, research-intensive practices. Founded on the principle of the rumen as a digestive chamber—a space where materials are broken down, fermented, and transformed—the organization supports artists and writers whose work engages with slow, iterative, and often unclassifiable methods. Its core mission is to foster a community of practitioners who prioritize inquiry over finished product, offering residencies, editorial features, and public programs that emphasize dialogue and experimentation.

Editorial focus

The Rumen is a collaboration between writers, poets, and artists from a variety of demographics and backgrounds. Like the guts of an ungulate, The Rumen is a space for ideas and experiences to digest, ferment, and transform.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31

Reading feeNo

PaymentNo payment

Response timeLess than 3 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Artists and writers should approach The Rumen with a clear articulation of their process and research interests, rather than a polished portfolio alone. Submissions are typically open calls for specific thematic projects or ongoing editorial features; review the current call carefully and tailor your proposal to its conceptual framework. Include work samples that demonstrate iterative development, and be prepared to discuss your practice in depth. Response times can be lengthy, reflecting the organization's slow, deliberative ethos.

Read official guidelines