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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T130000
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SUMMARY:Masterclass: Email Marketing for Artists
DESCRIPTION:Online Masterclass: Email Marketing of Artists \n14th October 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm UK Time | Online via Zoom \n  \nMost artists know they should have a newsletter. Very few actually enjoy writing one and even fewer know what makes people want to read it. \nThis masterclass is not about technology\, templates\, or marketing tactics. It is about something far more valuable: how to write a newsletter that sounds like you\, connects with the people who care about your work\, and keeps them coming back. \nIn this session\, led by Karen van Hoey Smith\, you will hear how Alison approaches her newsletter\, what she puts in it and why\, and what she has learned from years of writing to her audience as an artist. There will be real examples\, an open Q&A\, and plenty of practical takeaways – whether you are starting from scratch or want to make what you already have feel more like you. \nAlison Aye sews collage from found papers and fabric\, calling attention to ‘throw-away society’ and embracing humour\, popular culture and current affairs. \nDaughter and granddaughter of seamstresses and coal miners\, she could sew at an early age\, and makes contemporary work that respects traditional craft and class struggle. \nHer methods are slow\, not just the tiny hand-stitching\, but also the meticulous recording of materials on Instagram\, which form an integral part of the process. Some pieces can take years to complete\, ignoring the misogynistic hierarchy of the art world\, where needlework is often neglected. \nOriginally from North-East England\, she now lives and works in South London. \nShe has been entering work for the Summer Exhibition for thirty-one years\, unsuccessfully until 2024. In 2022 she was featured on the BBC’s ‘Joe Lycett: Summer Exhibitionist’\, when her work was smuggled into the RA on Varnishing Day and displayed on the buffet table. \nWhat you will take away \n\nHow to find your voice and write in a way that feels natural rather than forced\nWhat to include in a newsletter as an artist and how often to send it\nHow to build an audience of people who are genuinely interested in your work\nWhy authenticity matters more than polish and how to put that into practice\nHow to approach your newsletter as part of your practice\, not a chore on top of it\n\nWho is this for? Artists at any stage who want to start a newsletter\, improve an existing one\, or simply understand what makes one worth reading. \nFor any questions\, contact events@visual-artists.org \nFree for VAA Premium Members | £12.49 for Standard Members | £19.99 for Non-Members \nHeadshot photography: Michelle Richards (@michellerichardsphotography)
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/masterclass-email-marketing-for-artists/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,members,Masterclass
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T150000
DTSTAMP:20260909T103242Z
CREATED:20260507T083423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T103242Z
UID:10005232-1790863200-1790866800@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Art Café | From Studio to Biennale & Art Fairs: Breaking Into Major Exhibitions
DESCRIPTION:Art Café | From Studio to Biennale & Art Fairs: Breaking Into Major Exhibitions \nWednesday 1 October | 14:00 UK Time | Online | Free \nGetting into a major exhibition doesn’t happen by accident. \nBiennales\, art fairs\, and large-scale group exhibitions can be career-defining moments for an artist. But for most\, they feel like closed doors — events that happen to other people\, through connections they don’t have\, in systems they don’t fully understand. This Art Café session is about changing that. Three speakers with direct experience of how major exhibitions work — from the inside — will share what it actually takes to get your work into the rooms that matter. \nWhat you will take away \n\nA clear understanding of how biennales\, art fairs\, and major group exhibitions actually work and how artists get selected\nWhat curators\, fair directors\, and selection committees are really looking for\nHow to position your practice and present your work to the right people at the right time\nThe practical steps to take now\, whether you are applying for the first time or looking to break into a higher level\nWhat artists wish they had known before their first major exhibition\n\nWho is this for? \nArtists at any stage who want to understand how to access major exhibition opportunities and take concrete steps towards them. Early-career and established artists both welcome. \nMeet the Speakers \nLaura O’Hare is responsible for leading the artistic and business development at VAA. Laura has been working in the Fine Arts sector since 2012 and is a founder of the VAA. Presently\, Director of the Visual Art Open Prize\, the Artist of the Year Award and the VAA Art500 International Award. Laura has a wealth of experience in managing relationships with artists and understanding their needs. Laura has an extensive network including arts organisations\, galleries\, publishers and commercial partners. Laura has helped hundreds of artists figure out how to thrive at all stages of their fine art careers. Prior to working in the arts industry\, Laura was a solicitor specialising in Employment Law for over 15 years. \nDr Stephanie Dieckvoss is a Senior Lecturer in Art History and Co-Convenor of the MA in Art and Business at the Courtauld Institute in London\, which she joined in 2024. Her research focuses on contemporary art markets\, particularly emerging and alternative models\, institutional dynamics\, and the micro-geographies of artistic production and consumption. Her current work centres on the histories and practices of art fairs\, drawing on archival methods and oral histories. Her TECHNE-funded PhD examines DIY approaches within alternative art fairs in the 1990s and is currently being turned into a monograph. She has published widely in academic journals and edited book volumes. \nA Courtauld alumna\, Stephanie also holds an MA in Art History from the University of Hamburg\, an MBA (Public Services) from Warwick Business School\, and a PGCert in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from UAL. Prior to joining The Courtauld\, Stephanie worked as a senior lecturer at Kingston School of Art and Central Saint Martins. \nPrior to her academic career\, Stephanie gained more than 15 years of experience in cultural management in Germany\, France\, and the United States\, working in senior roles across commercial art galleries\, art fairs and public institutions. She remains closely connected to developments in the art market as the art market correspondent for Handelsblatt and has also written for Apollo and the Neue Zürcher Zeitung. \nShirley-Ann O’Neill\, founder of VAA\, is a seasoned arts director and curator with over 20 years of experience working with creatives. She is the co-author of the internationally bestselling art business books ‘Good Art Does Not Sell Itself’ and ‘Securing Representation.’ Her passion for global artist outreach and discovering new talent is evident in her curated exhibitions\, which have been showcased on BBC\, Sky News\, and International New York Times. Shirley-Ann leads the Visual Art Open Prize and VAA Artist of the Year Awards\, driving the VAA CPD & mentorship programme with courses on Art Curation & Exhibition Management\, Art Sales Academy\, and Artist Momentum. She has previously served on the selection committee for the Other Art Fair London by Saatchi Art. \n  \nFor any questions\, contact events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/art-cafe-from-studio-to-biennale-art-fairs-breaking-into-major-exhibitions/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Art Cafe
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260923T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260923T140000
DTSTAMP:20260918T054523Z
CREATED:20260511T113601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T054523Z
UID:10005238-1790168400-1790172000@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:OpenSpaces 2026 | After the Opening: Press\, Documentation & Long-Term Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:After the Opening: Press\, Documentation & Long-Term Opportunities \nOpenSpaces 2026 | 17 September 2026 | 13:00 | Free for participating artists \nYour work is live – now what? Showing in a global art trail is a significant moment\, but the real value often comes from what you do with it afterwards. This workshop is designed to help OpenSpaces 2026 participating artists make the most of their involvement long after the opening weekend has passed. \nWe’ll explore the essentials of professional documentation – how to photograph your work in situ\, what written records to keep\, and how to build an archive of your participation that will serve your practice for years to come. Good documentation isn’t just about memory; it’s a career asset that underpins applications\, pitches\, and proposals. \nWe’ll also look at press and media coverage – how arts journalism works\, how to identify the right writers and publications for your practice\, and how to craft a compelling pitch that tells your story beyond the press release. Whether you’re aiming for a local feature or a broader audience\, we’ll walk through what makes a story land. \nFinally\, we’ll think about the longer arc: how to translate a group exhibition credit into meaningful opportunities\, from residency and grant applications to building relationships with curators\, collectors\, and venues. OpenSpaces 2026 is a platform\, this session is about using it strategically. \nFree and exclusive to all OpenSpaces 2026 participating artists. 
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/openspaces-2026-after-the-opening-press-documentation-long-term-opportunities/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,OpenSpaces 2026
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260902T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260902T140000
DTSTAMP:20260815T233534Z
CREATED:20260223T160249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260815T233534Z
UID:10005220-1788354000-1788357600@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Legal Hour: Working with Galleries
DESCRIPTION:Legal Hour: Working with Galleries\nTuesday 21st July\, from 13:00 BST (UK time) | Online\nGallery relationships can be one of the most rewarding parts of an artist’s career and one of the most complicated. \nThis Legal Hour session focuses on the practical legal questions that arise when working with galleries: from consignment agreements and commission structures to what happens when a gallery closes\, a work goes missing\, or a payment doesn’t arrive. \nPierre Valentin brings his extensive experience advising both artists and galleries to help you understand your rights\, know what to look for in an agreement\, and feel more confident navigating these relationships. \nArtists are invited to ask about topics such as: \n\nWhat a consignment agreement should and shouldn’t include\nHow commission splits work and what is considered standard\nWhat to do if a gallery hasn’t paid you or is holding your work\nWho is responsible if a work is damaged or lost while in a gallery’s care\nHow to exit a gallery relationship professionally and legally\nWhat to check before signing an exclusivity clause\n\nWhether you are approaching your first gallery relationship or navigating a long-standing one\, this session will give you the knowledge to protect yourself and your work. \nGuest Speaker Pierre Valentin – Art Lawyer Pierre is one of the most respected art lawyers practising today and a leading figure in art and cultural property law. With over 25 years of experience\, he has advised collectors\, galleries\, artists\, museums\, auction houses\, private banks\, and institutions across the UK\, Europe\, the USA\, the Middle East and Asia. A specialist in copyright and resale rights\, and an accredited mediator for the World Intellectual Property Organisation\, Pierre is widely recognised as a “go-to lawyer” in the global art market\, praised for his expertise\, clarity and strategic approach. \nThe session will be recorded and a replay link will be shared with everyone who signs up. If you would like to submit a question in advance\, please email events@visual-artists.org with the subject line Legal Hour Question. \nThis session is exclusive to all VAA Members. Booking is essential. If you experience any issues\, please contact events@visual-artists.org \nTo join the Visual Artists Association\, visit: https://visual-artists.org/join
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/legal-hour-working-with-galleries/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Member Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260831T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260831T140000
DTSTAMP:20260819T162514Z
CREATED:20260111T111650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T162514Z
UID:10005234-1788181200-1788184800@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Members Meeting
DESCRIPTION:VAA Members Meeting \nMonday 31 August | 13:00 BST | Online | Members Only \n\nAre you actually using everything your VAA membership gives you? \nThis is your dedicated hour with the VAA team – a chance to get up to speed on what is available to you right now\, ask anything you have been meaning to ask\, and make sure you are getting full value from your membership going into the second half of the year. \nVAA Team will be on hand to walk you through key resources and opportunities\, share the latest VAA updates\, and answer your questions directly. \nWhat we will cover \n\nThe latest VAA updates and what is coming up across the programme\nKey resources\, opportunities\, and member benefits to be aware of right now\nYour questions answered directly by the team\n\nWho is this for? \nAll VAA members – whether you joined recently or have been with us for years. If you want to stay connected\, informed\, and make the most of your membership\, this is the session to attend. \nFor any questions\, contact events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/members-meeting/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Member Events,Members Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Members-MeetingAUG.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260818T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260818T150000
DTSTAMP:20260811T140450Z
CREATED:20260511T112343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T140450Z
UID:10005237-1787061600-1787065200@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:OpenSpaces 2026 | Group Mentorship Session: Troubleshooting Your Exhibition Plans
DESCRIPTION:OpenSpaces 2026 | Group Mentorship Session: Troubleshooting Your Exhibition Plans \nTuesday 18 August | 13:00 BST | Online | Free for participating artists \n  \nYou have your space. Now let’s make sure your exhibition plan actually works. \nPlanning an exhibition in an everyday space comes with its own set of challenges — and most of them only become obvious once you are deep in the process. This group mentorship session is your chance to bring those challenges to the table before they become problems. \nIn this open\, informal session\, participating OpenSpaces 2026 artists can share where they are with their plans\, ask questions\, and get practical guidance from the VAA team. Whether you are still figuring out the logistics\, unsure about how to promote your show\, or simply want a second pair of eyes on your thinking — this is the session to attend. \nWhat we will cover \n\nPractical troubleshooting on exhibition planning\, layout\, and presentation\nGuidance on promoting your show to the right audience\nAdvice on working effectively with your venue\nOpen Q&A — bring your specific questions and challenges\n\n  \nWho is this for? \nAll artists registered for OpenSpaces 2026. This session is free and exclusive to participating artists. \n\nFor any questions\, contact events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/openspaces-2026-group-mentorship-session-troubleshooting-your-exhibition-plans/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,OpenSpaces 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/VAA-Events-Visuals-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260813T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260813T150000
DTSTAMP:20260810T094621Z
CREATED:20260413T100551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T094621Z
UID:10005227-1786629600-1786633200@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Art Café | Building Multiple Income Streams as an Artist - What Actually Works
DESCRIPTION:Art Café | Building Multiple Income Streams as an Artist – What Actually Works \n  \nThursday 13 August | 14:00 BST | Free Online Discussion \nMost artists rely on one income stream. The ones who sustain long careers rarely do. \nSelling original work is just one piece of the puzzle. Teaching\, licensing\, commissions\, corporate work\, residencies\, prizes — the artists who build lasting careers tend to combine several of these in ways that feel natural to their practice and realistic for their lives. \nBut knowing where to start\, what to prioritise\, and how to make it work alongside your creative output is another thing entirely. \nIn this free Art Café session\, three speakers who have built genuinely sustainable practices will talk honestly about what multiple income streams actually look like in the real world – what works\, what doesn’t\, and what they wish they had known sooner. \nWhat we will cover \n\nHow to identify the income streams that are right for your practice – not just the ones everyone talks about\nHow to price confidently across different types of work and different audiences\nHow to build visibility that opens doors to commissions\, corporate work\, and teaching opportunities\nHow to manage multiple strands of income without losing focus on the work itself\n\n  \nWho is this for? \nAny artist who wants to move beyond relying on a single source of income — whether you are just starting to think about this or ready to take the next step. Early-career and established artists both welcome. \n  \nMeet the Speakers \nEllie Damant | Artist Winner of the Dubel Art Prize 2025/26\, Ellie is an Oxford-educated artist with two MAs — in Fine Art and Philosophy — and is currently completing PhD research in art and aesthetics. Her practice spans original work\, teaching\, and research\, and her work features in the collection of Magdalen College\, Oxford and has received international recognition from the Abu Dhabi Arts Society. She is also a qualified teacher in art\, philosophy\, and art history. \nLaura O’Hare | VAA Director Laura co-founded the Visual Artists Association and leads its artistic and business development. With over a decade in the fine arts sector and a background as a solicitor specialising in Employment Law\, she brings a rare combination of legal\, commercial\, and creative expertise to helping artists build sustainable careers. \nGlen Farrelly RCA is a sculptor whose practice is rooted in material transformation\, memory\, and renewal. He trained at Camberwell College of Arts\, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art (Ceramics)\, before embarking on a distinguished 20-year career in education as Head of Art at a leading independent school in London.Now based in North Wales\, Glen works with reclaimed and storm-fallen timber\, often using the ancient Japanese technique of Yakisugi. His sculptures have been exhibited internationally and are currently shown across the UK in prestigious sculpture parks and galleries. \n\nFor any questions\, contact events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/art-cafe-building-multiple-income-streams-as-an-artist/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Art Cafe,Featured Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260723T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260723T140000
DTSTAMP:20260702T091755Z
CREATED:20260506T210330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T091755Z
UID:10005231-1784811600-1784815200@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Masterclass | Getting Ready: Planning\, Curating & Promoting  Your Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Masterclass | Getting Ready: Planning\, Curating & Promoting Your Exhibition \nThursday 23 July | 13:00 BST | Online | OpenSpaces 2026 Artists \nYou’ve secured your space. Now what? \nThis practical masterclass is designed specifically for artists taking part in OpenSpaces 2026 – walking you through everything you need to plan\, curate\, and promote your exhibition with confidence. \nJoining the session is Kristen Palana\, a multidisciplinary artist\, educator\, and VAA OpenSpaces 2025 participant whose exhibition in Rome formed part of the world’s largest global art trail. Kristen brings a rare combination of artistic depth and practical teaching experience – having delivered art and design education across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and Africa\, and to thousands of students in 191 countries online. \nShe will share what she learned from her own OpenSpaces experience\, what she would do differently\, and the practical steps that made her exhibition work – from curation and presentation to promotion and audience engagement. \nWhat we will cover \n\nHow to plan your exhibition from concept to opening day\nHow to curate your work effectively in a non-traditional space\nHow to promote your show to the right audience before\, during\, and after\nWhat OpenSpaces 2025 participants learned and what you can apply to your own exhibition\n\nWho is this for? \nAll artists registered for OpenSpaces 2026 who want to approach their exhibition with clarity\, structure\, and confidence. \n\nFor any questions\, contact events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/masterclass-getting-ready-planning-curating-promoting-your-exhibition/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,OpenSpaces 2026
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