The Artemis mission has not changed from its conception. Born out of the writing workshops held for the victims of domestic violence in Southwest Virginia, Artemis Journal has been an advocate for social justice since 1977. We continue to pay tribute to those foundations today by advocating equal and fair treatment of all. Artemis strongly denounces all forms of discrimination. Whether it is a fight against sexism or racism, Artemis works to elevate the voices of all genders and backgrounds—and to provide a pathway for their art.
Our yearly journal highlights voices of artists and writers who uphold the values of the the Greek lunar goddess for which the journal was named–Artemis. As the archetype of the mother goddess, Artemis was protector of wild animals, the wilderness, young women, childbirth, and known as a carrier of light.
For the first few years, Artemis showcased the work of women from this group and in 1979 we expanded our scope to include men as well. Our literary editor, Maurice Ferguson was one of the first men to join our team and to this day continues as our esteemed editor.
Artemis Journal 2021 one of the few journals in America that blends art, poetry, and prose throughout its pages. Likewise, it remains one of the few journals that publish fledgling writers and artists alongside prominent writers such as Nikki Giovanni, Virginia Poet Laureates, Luisa Igloria, Ron Smith, Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda, U.S. Poet Laureates, Rita Dove, Natasha Trethewey, as well as prominent artists such as Donna Polseno, Betty Branch, and Bill White.