Join us for an informal Q&A ahead of the VAO26 Finalist Exhibition, bringing together the VAO team, curator Karen van Hoey Smith and FOLLOW.ART for an opportunity to ask questions, meet the team and get fully prepared for the exhibition.

This session is designed to take you through the final exhibition logistics, what to expect during the exhibition weekend and the practical details you need to know as a VAO26 finalist. There will also be an opportunity to ask any last-minute questions you may have ahead of the show.

Whether you have questions about exhibiting your work, the exhibition process, what to expect at The Minster Building or the opportunities available through VAO and its partners, the team will be on hand to help.

What to Expect

Meet the team behind VAO26: Hear from the VAA team, FOLLOW.ART and curator Karen van Hoey Smith, and get to know the people supporting this year’s finalists.
Get the final exhibition details: A practical overview of the exhibition setup, artwork delivery and collection, installation, exhibition weekend and what to expect on site.
Ask your questions: Bring along any last-minute questions about exhibiting, logistics, your artwork or the wider VAO experience.
Hear from the curator: Gain insight from Karen van Hoey Smith on the curation and presentation of the VAO26 Finalist Exhibition.
Connect with fellow finalists: Meet other artists taking part in VAO26 and share questions, experiences and advice ahead of the exhibition.
Speakers & Hosts

Evelīna Gorbačova | Head of Digital Development, FOLLOW.ART

Evelīna guides digital products for artists and arts professionals at FOLLOW.ART. With a background spanning traditional art institutions, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Rothko Museum, alongside experience in technology, she is interested in creative tech, new ways of supporting artists and engaging the public with contemporary art.

Amy Quinn | Programme & Marketing Coordinator, VAA

Amy Quinn is Programme & Marketing Coordinator at the Visual Artists Association, supporting the organisation’s awards, exhibitions, partnerships and artist programmes. As part of the VAO team, Amy works closely with finalists throughout the exhibition process, from communications and exhibitor information through to the delivery and presentation of the exhibition.

Matilde Tariello | Events and Sponsorships Coordinator, VAA

Matilde brings over seven years of experience across the international art market, including roles with leading platforms such as Artsy, where she managed relationships with over 300 galleries and advised on artist development, presentation and market strategy. Alongside her industry roles, Matilde is a guest lecturer and mentor, supporting emerging artists and students in refining their portfolios and professional practice. She brings a practical, market-informed perspective to the opportunities available within the contemporary art world.

Karen van Hoey Smith | VAA Artist Mentor, Curator & Art World Expert

Karen van Hoey Smith is a VAA Artist Mentor, curator and art world expert with extensive experience across the contemporary art sector. A former auctioneer, Karen brings a wealth of knowle

knowledge spanning the art market, curation, collecting and artist development. For VAO26, Karen is leading the curation of the Finalist Exhibition, working closely with the selected artists and artworks to shape the presentation of the show and bring her curatorial and market insight to the exhibition.

Date & Location

Friday, 25th September
1:30pm–2:30pm
Online