So ArtForum fired its editor for publishing an open letter. The art world is rightfully furious, and it's just the latest in a string of controversies that make you question what's happening over there. Forget looking at their BBB page; the real complaints aren't about late deliveries, they're about ethical meltdowns and censorship. People are fed up with the lack of accountability. Common frustrations boiling over online include accusations of silencing pro-Palestinian voices and a history of toxic workplace issues. If you're a subscriber, artist, or just a reader who has had enough, you're not alone. It feels like speaking up is the only option left. Official site: Visit ArtForum
Best ways to complain to ArtForum
Contact Method | Details & Availability | Why use this instead... |
---|---|---|
Email (Subscriptions) | circulation@artforum.com | For billing, delivery issues, or cancellations. |
Email (Letters to the Editor) | letters@artforum.com | To voice opinions on editorial content for potential publication. |
Phone | (212) 475-4000 (Standard office hours ET) | For urgent subscription problems if email fails. |
Social Media | Instagram, X (Twitter) | For public pressure and joining the wider conversation. |
⏱️ Estimated Response Times from ArtForum After Complaining
Honestly, for anything beyond a subscription issue, you might be waiting forever.
Method | Expected Wait Time |
---|---|
Phone | Varies, likely office hours |
Email (Subscriptions) | 1-3 business days |
Email (Letters to Editor) | No guaranteed response |
Social Media | Immediate to never |
🔍 Tips to Get a Quicker Response from a Complaint
- Be specific about your subscription issue (account number, etc.).
- For editorial complaints, send a concise, well-argued letter to the editor.
- Engage with their posts on social media, but keep it civil to avoid getting blocked.
How to Escalate Your Complaint
If ArtForum ignores you, especially on a subscription or billing issue, your options are different than with a typical company. Regulators like the FCC won't help here.
Go Public in the Industry
Your best bet is public pressure. Journalists at art publications like Hyperallergic or The Art Newspaper have been covering ArtForum's controversies closely. Tipping them off to a newsworthy complaint can be effective.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
You can file a complaint with the BBB for business practices, like if they double-charged you for a subscription. But prepare to wait. The BBB is more for if they won't fix a billing error, not for if you disagree with their editor's firing. Don't expect miracles.
Social Media Escalation
Posting your complaint on X (Twitter) or Instagram and tagging ArtForum and other influential figures in the art world can get eyes on your issue. This is less about getting a direct resolution and more about contributing to the public record of dissatisfaction.
Email Template to Complain to ArtForum
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Subscription [[Subscription #]] and Recent Editorial Decisions
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing again to address a problem with my subscription, but my frustration has been compounded by the magazine's recent direction.
My recent issue, [[Issue Date]], never arrived, and getting a response from your circulation department has been difficult. Frankly, this service issue on top of the recent firing of your editor-in-chief makes me question my continued support for ArtForum.
To resolve this, I require you to either send the missing issue immediately or issue a partial refund for the month. I also hope you will consider the feedback from many long-time readers like myself regarding the magazine's current trajectory.
If this service issue is not resolved within a reasonable timeframe, my next step will be to report it to the Better Business Bureau. The larger editorial issues, I will continue discussing publicly with my colleagues in the art community.
Thank you for your attention to this.
[[Your Name]]
Additional Helpful Tips to get Your Complaint Resolved
Pro Tips for Making Your Complaint Heard
- Reference Specifics: Don't just say you're 'unhappy'. Say you're unhappy with the handling of the October 2023 open letter or a specific article. It shows you're paying attention.
- Use Your Professional Title: If you're an artist, curator, or academic, use your title in your letter. It can get more attention in their specific world.
- CC Multiple Editors: A user on an art world forum mentioned that cc'ing multiple editors on an email sometimes gets a faster look. It's a long shot, but worth a try for serious issues.
- State Your Intentions Clearly: 'I will be canceling my 10-year subscription' is more powerful than 'You've lost a customer.' Be direct about the consequences.
Let Pine AI Help Raise the Complaint to ArtForum
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Frequently Asked Questions about ArtForum Complaint Filing

Olivia Harper
Content Manager
Olivia Harper, a Content Manager with nine years of experience, creates user-focused guides on subscription services. Featured in Digital Consumer Reports, her work simplifies subscription terms and cancellations.