Leonardo – Arts and Culture Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Leonardo for High-Impact Publications

Leonardo stands as a pioneering journal at the intersection of arts, sciences, and technology, offering researchers a prestigious venue to publish innovative work since 1968. Published by MIT Press, it fosters dialogue between artists, scientists, and technologists, emphasizing the cultural dimensions of technological advancement. With a focus on visual arts, media, and computational creativity, Leonardo attracts submissions that challenge conventional boundaries, making it essential for scholars in humanities and STEM fields alike.

The journal's reputation stems from its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to interdisciplinary excellence. Researchers value Leonardo for its ability to amplify voices in emerging fields like digital art and bio-art, where traditional outlets may fall short. Its inclusion in major indexing services ensures visibility, while the hybrid publication model provides flexibility for open access dissemination. For those navigating academic careers, publishing in Leonardo signals innovative thinking and broad appeal, enhancing profiles in competitive job markets.

Key to its allure is the editorial vision that prioritizes accessible yet profound scholarship. Articles often explore how technology shapes artistic expression, from AI-generated visuals to interactive installations. This scope resonates with global audiences, contributing to Leonardo's steady impact factor of 0.6, reflecting citation influence in niche but vital areas. Submission success here can elevate a researcher's standing, opening doors to collaborations and funding opportunities.

As disciplines converge, Leonardo remains a beacon for forward-thinking academics. Whether delving into historical contexts of media art or forecasting future tech-art synergies, contributors find a supportive platform. To leverage this, explore relevant visual arts faculty positions or check the academic calendar for deadlines. Ready to submit? Review guidelines and start your journey toward impactful publication.

Overview & History

Founded in 1968 by artists and scientists under the International Society for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology (ISAST), Leonardo emerged during a era of cultural revolution, aiming to document the evolving relationship between art and technology. Initially published quarterly, it has grown into a bimonthly outlet, mirroring the acceleration of digital innovation. MIT Press took over distribution in 1980, enhancing its academic reach.

Over decades, Leonardo has chronicled pivotal moments, from cybernetic art in the 1970s to contemporary explorations of virtual reality. Notable issues have featured works by pioneers like György Kepes and Roy Ascott, establishing it as a historical archive. Today, it continues to evolve, incorporating multimedia supplements and special themes on topics like climate art and algorithmic aesthetics. This legacy underscores its role as a foundational resource for interdisciplinary studies.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

Leonardo's scope encompasses the interplay of art, science, and engineering, welcoming theoretical essays, artist statements, and technical notes. It prioritizes works that illuminate how technological tools influence creative processes and cultural narratives.

Key Journal Metrics

Indexing and Abstracting

Leonardo is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring discoverability. It appears in Scopus, Web of Science (Arts & Humanities Citation Index), MLA International Bibliography, and Art Index. Additional coverage includes EBSCO, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. For full visibility, check the Scopus profile. This broad indexing supports citations and archival access, vital for long-term research impact.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, Leonardo offers traditional subscription access alongside open access options. MIT Press provides gold OA for $3,000 per article, covering peer review and production. Subscriptions are institutional, with no mandatory fees for non-OA submissions. Authors retain copyright under Creative Commons licenses for OA pieces. This model balances accessibility with sustainability, allowing wide dissemination without compromising quality. Details available on the official journal homepage.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled via the MIT Press ScholarOne portal. Prepare manuscripts in English, up to 5,000 words, with abstracts and keywords. Visuals must be high-resolution. The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-blind peer review, typically 3-6 months. Guidelines emphasize originality and interdisciplinary relevance. For tips, visit the academic jobs in arts section to align your work with career goals.

Editorial Board Highlights

The board comprises international experts, led by Editor-in-Chief Ellen Pearlman, a media artist and scholar. Members include Sean Cubitt (University of Melbourne) for media theory and Larissa Hjorth (RMIT University) for digital cultures. Their diverse backgrounds ensure balanced perspectives, from Europe to Asia. This team upholds Leonardo's innovative ethos, guiding submissions toward excellence.

Why Publish in Leonardo?

Publishing in Leonardo offers unparalleled exposure in a niche yet influential field. Its interdisciplinary focus attracts citations from art historians, engineers, and policymakers. With a global readership, articles gain traction in galleries, labs, and conferences. The journal's prestige aids tenure portfolios, especially in humanities departments. Moreover, special issues provide themed opportunities, boosting relevance. Researchers often cite enhanced networking as a key benefit.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Leonardo excels in balanced interdisciplinary coverage compared to more specialized peers.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

• Align your abstract with current themes like sustainable tech-art.
• Incorporate visuals to strengthen arguments.
• Cite recent Leonardo articles for context.
• Seek feedback from peers in rate my professor networks.
• Track deadlines via the academic calendar.
• Highlight societal implications for broader appeal.
• Prepare for revisions by studying past issues.

For career advancement, pair your submission with exploring tenure-track arts positions or media arts jobs. Leonardo's platform can propel your trajectory in academia.