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Anthropology News Column

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Anthropology News Column

The Council for Museum Anthropology publishes a regular column in Anthropology News, the newsletter of the American Anthropological Association. In addition to publishing news of the CMA, section news offers a space to publish the newest, most innovative work in our field online.

**Download our NEW 2026 editorial guidelines here**

In 2026, the Council for Museum Anthropology’s Anthropology News column is looking to elevate voices often underrepresented in this outlet, including the voices of practicing museum professionals, students, and emerging scholars. In particular, we are looking for guest articles that highlight diverse voices, perspectives, and responses to the current political moment. What methodological or theoretical strategies of community engagement, collaborative partnership, or institutional resilience and innovation are shaping the future(s) of our field? How are museums, institutions, and cultural organizations grappling with the current administration’s attack on free speech and so-called DEI? How have funding cuts and grant cancellations at the IMLS, NEH, and NEA impacted your curatorial practice and scholarship? How is your institution planning to commemorate America250? Fundamentally, what is the role of the museum in 2026, and how can we work together to increase our relevancy and impact on local, national, and international levels?

section members to a broad audience beyond section and AAA membership, to boost the section’s presence in the association, and to take part in creating a great anthropology publication. Please note that previously published work is not considered. This includes stories that have appeared on the section website, content on personal or institutional blogs, and abridged versions of scholarly articles. You may have written on the same topic elsewhere, but make sure the story you are developing is original work. Your contribution can take a number of forms:

  • Story: A short-form exploration of an interesting topic with detail and depth. Maximum 1,600 words (not including captions, image descriptions, etc.) + one to three visually compelling images.
  • Photo essay: Six to eight high-quality, visually compelling images + up to 750 words introductory text.  
  • Interview: A conversation of up to 1,600 words. Take care to ensure these are really engaging first-person dialogues on the issues, not just a promotional vehicle for an interviewee’s new book, film, exhibit, and so on. Authored by the interviewer and interviewee. If you wish to undertake an interview, please contact us with a brief proposal.

To pitch an article or connect with CMA, please contact: Lillia McEnaney, Secretary of the Board, Council for Museum Anthropology, via email (mcenaneylillia@gmail.com)