VAA ArtLaunch

Graduate Transition Programme for Visual Artists

ArtLaunch is a live, structured transition programme designed to support visual arts students and recent graduates as they move from education into professional artistic practice.
Drawing on sector insight and practical guidance, the programme provides clarity at the moment academic structures fall away and artists must navigate the professional art world independently.
Participants gain confidence, direction, and a sustainable foundation for early‑career progression.

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Programme Dates & Times

Dates: Provisional date Mid-July

Time: 14:00 (UK Time)

Programme Overview

ArtLaunch supports artists through the critical period immediately after graduation — when expectations shift, support structures change, and artists must begin positioning their practice professionally. Through guided sessions, participants gain a clear understanding of how the art world operates, how to build sustainable income pathways, and how to plan their first year after graduation with intention.

By the end of the programme, artists will feel more confident, informed, and prepared to take their next steps into professional practice.

Course Curriculum & Delivery

The programme consists of three live online seminars, each including discussion, practical guidance, and time for questions. Between sessions, participants will be encouraged to reflect on their goals and apply learning to their own practice.

Session 1: Leaving Art School & Entering the Art World

This session explores the fundamental shift from student to professional artist. Participants will learn:

What changes after graduation
Differences between academic and professional contexts
What support structures end — and what replaces them
How the contemporary art ecosystem operates (galleries, studios, organisations, institutions)
How to begin building your profile and personal brand
Common myths and realities of professional practice

Outcome: A clear understanding of the post‑graduation landscape and how to navigate the transition into professional practice.

Session 2: Money, Work & Sustainability

This session introduces the financial realities of working as a visual artist and supports participants in making informed decisions about income and sustainability.

You will explore:

Common income pathways for visual artists
Portfolio careers and multiple income streams
Fees, pricing, and paid vs unpaid work
Ethical decision‑making in early‑career practice

Outcome: Realistic awareness of income pathways and how to build a sustainable early‑career practice..

Session 3: Planning the First Year After Graduation

The first year after graduation is often the most uncertain — and the most influential. This session helps participants turn insight into action.

You will learn:

How to translate learning into achievable next steps
How to set realistic professional goals
How to balance priorities
How to identify relevant networks, organisations, and support
How to make intentional decisions about opportunities

Outcome: A clear, individualised plan for your first year after graduation, including next steps and professional priorities.

Who ArtLaunch Is For

ArtLaunch is ideal for:

Final‑year undergraduate students
MA / MFA students
Recent graduates preparing to enter professional artistic practice

The programme is particularly valuable for artists pursuing freelance, self‑employed, or portfolio‑based careers.

Speakers

Karen van Hoey Smith

Karen is an artist mentor, independent art broker and curator. She holds a degree in Fine Arts Valuation and has worked in the arts and antiques world since graduating in 2001. A member of AWITA (the Association of Women in the Arts) and a trustee of the Royal Crown Derby Museum Trust, she was the youngest female auctioneer in the UK. Karen has served as a consultant expert for the BBC, magazines, newspapers and radio, worked as an art consultant in London, managed galleries in Bristol, and was a senior partner at an art publishing house. With a successful track record as an art broker, having sold works by Banksy, Picasso and Bomberg, Karen brings a wealth of experience in artist representation, curating exhibitions and guiding artists to achieve their goals – whether that’s increasing sales or gaining recognition in public art institutions.

Louise Minnaar

Based in South Africa; Louise followed her passion for art early on, attending Art School for 4 years and going on to achieve a degree in education. Louise brings over 8 years’ experience in the art industry, from art auctions all over the world to working with one of the largest publishers in the UK with Whitewall Galleries. Louise has helped clients from all walks of life get happily involved in collecting artwork, from not only the likes of Picasso and Miro, but also exciting up-and-comers at all stages in their art careers.

Real Artists. Real Results.

Calder Mackay

25. February, 2026.

I have really benefited from the insight VAA has given me, since joining as a member. Offering me my first chance to exhibit in London was great for me. Learning from the many well experienced members of their team about all that goes into becoming a practicing artist, has been so valuable.

Shiza Saqib

25. February, 2026.

I have found my membership with the Visual Artists Association to be incredibly helpful at this stage of my career. I completed the Getting Gallery Ready course, which gave me practical guidance and clarity on how to approach the art world more strategically. One of the most valuable takeaways was learning how to identify and apply to galleries that align with my artistic style and background, rather than submitting to a large number without direction. The VAA community has also helped me connect with other artists navigating similar paths, which has been both encouraging and informative. I’ve recently signed up for a Help Desk session in March and am looking forward to receiving further guidance as I continue developing my practice. Art Launch sounds like an incredibly helpful initiative for artists like me at this point in our careers, offering support and access to valuable resources. Shortly after completing the course, I was selected for a single-artist residency at Vasl Arts Association in Karachi. I just had my first Solo exhibition there this week!

Kirsty MacDonald

25. February, 2026.

Visual Artists Association membership has been incredibly helpful to me, especially as I have only recently completed my course at university and it is my first time being out of education. VAA gave me stability and accountability throughout the start of this journey into the 'real world' of being an artist by providing multiple guidance and advice sessions, allowing me to learn about the art business side of things with fantastic 1-1s with Shirley-Ann and a great Art and Curation management course that helped me understand gallery communications as well as curation styles and so much more. Overall VAA has been a great and consistent support throughout this time and I couldn't recommend them more.

James T.

Mixed Media Artist

I didn't know how to start pricing my work until ArtLaunch guided me step-by-step.

Lana R

Fine Art Graduate

ArtLaunch gave me the confidence to approach galleries and show my work professionally.

Join VAA ArtLaunch

Ready to elevate your art career? Become part of a community that’s here to support your creativity and growth.

📅 Applications Close 13th May

📍Open to UK and international artists

Register Your Interest

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