Art editors and their editorial staff and freelance art critics, are responsible for the total make-up and presentation of the art section of the paper or periodical in the same manner in which the news editors and their staff cover the news section.
Art journalists, reporters or reviewers write articles covering a wide range of art subjects. They interview well-known stage, television and film personalities, directors, song and musical artists and other entertainment artists. They attend all kinds of concerts - light music to opera and other forms of classical music, as well as songs covering the same spectrum, performances such as stage and movie productions and painting, sculpture and other arts. They often accompany film and television teams, sending their reports to their editor by fax, telephone or telex. Sometimes freelance or part-time journalists are used to cover certain events or to interview personalities.
The duties of art editors and their staff thus entail obtaining art news, interviewing newsworthy art personalities, liaison with local and overseas agencies, attending concerts, film and other previews (sometimes accompanied by a photographer) and writing their reports / articles. Many reports have to be written during the evening where the event is taking place or the personality is being interviewed, in order to be on time for the newspaper or magazine.
Art editors often work with editors-in-chief or production managers who want a specific look for their projects. The art editor will try to implement their vision by properly editing the materials that they receive. When they work with production managers or producers, they are in charge of putting the materials together by coordinating with the artists themselves and other people involved in the project.
Art critics typically fall into two categories: