How Creatives Build Lasting Careers Art100 International | The Long Game

Thursday 16th July | 14:00 BST | Online | Free

Success in the art world rarely happens overnight. This event is for artists who are thinking beyond the next opportunity and building something that lasts.

Together with our guest speakers, we’ll explore why repeated exposure matters more than single wins, how institutional recognition opens doors to the secondary market, and why inclusion in a physical publication like the Art100 Industry Book creates something no social media post can – permanence.

Who is this for?

This session is for artists at any stage who want to think more strategically about their long-term career – how to build lasting visibility, gain institutional recognition, and create a body of work and reputation that compounds over time. Early-career and established artists both welcome.

Meet the Speakers

Tom Best | The Auction Collective Trained at Christie’s and one of the youngest auctioneers in the company’s history, Tom Best has sold everything from contemporary art to rare collectibles across 14 countries and four continents. In 2018 he founded The Auction Collective, helping artists, organisations, and brands run their own auctions — including through free auction software Indy.auction. A passionate advocate for using auctions to support good causes, Tom has raised over £20 million for more than 300 charities worldwide. He brings a rare combination of art market expertise, commercial acumen, and genuine enthusiasm for helping creatives succeed.

Ben Edmonds | Senior Curator, Artfinder Ben plays a key role in shaping Artfinder’s artistic direction, bringing over 15 years of experience across artist management, talent scouting, and publishing. He is currently focused on growing Artfinder’s global community with emerging and innovative talent, and has a strong track record of identifying artists at the start of careers that go on to matter.

Shirley-Ann O’Neill | VAA Founder & Director Shirley-Ann is a seasoned arts director and curator with over 20 years of experience working with creatives worldwide. She is the co-author of the internationally bestselling art business books Good Art Does Not Sell Itself and Securing Representation, and leads the Visual Art Open Prize and VAA Artist of the Year Awards. Her curated exhibitions have been featured on BBC, Sky News, and the International New York Times. She has previously served on the selection committee for The Other Art Fair London by Saatchi Art.

For any questions, contact events@visual-artists.org