STUMP (Stump Project RVA) is an independent, artist-run publication and alternative exhibition project rooted in Richmond, VA (rightfully Tsenacomoco land).

In the tradition of community-focused programs such as Terrain Exhibitions, STUMP arose from a downed ancient hackberry tree tended by artist-author Joan Gaustad. This stump is now a site of new growth and habitat for native species.

What do sites of decay teach us about how humans and more-than-humans may adapt to form just and verdant futures?

“Pleasure activists believe that by tapping into the potential goodness in each of us we can generate justice and liberation, growing a healing abundance where we have been socialized to believe only scarcity exists.” - adrienne maree brown

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Submit original art and/or writing to a forthcoming issue of STUMP magazine - to be printed in a limited-color edition and made available for sliding-scale donation to benefit local social justice and resource organizations.

First issue theme “COMPOSING / COMPOSTING”

STUMP Issue 01 is accepting submissions through October 1, 2026, 11:59 pm EST.

General submissions to the prompt “art, ecology, and social justice” are accepted on a rolling basis.

Guidelines: Complete contact form with your contact information, plus a basic description of your submission in the subject field. We will then contact you with an email for submission.

Prepare to submit 1 to 3 files: high resolution .jpg, .png or .pdf at 300 ppi.

No generative AI accepted. STUMP reserves the right to refuse any content, and submission is not a guarantee of acceptance or publication. Any creative work by persons under 18 must be accompanied by work of a guardian.

Published contributors will be listed as contributors (or as anonymous), and will receive free copies of the zine. Any grant funding secured in the future will go directly to publication costs and to contributing artists.

Contact stumprva@gmail.com with any questions.*

*Please note - this is a DIY self-funded artistic effort made with love. Things may shift. If you’d like to contribute directly to producing STUMP magazine, contact us. Thank you.