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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260813T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260813T150000
DTSTAMP:20260810T094621Z
CREATED:20260413T100551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T094621Z
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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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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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260716T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260716T150000
DTSTAMP:20260714T093524Z
CREATED:20260511T091551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260714T093524Z
UID:10005233-1784210400-1784214000@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:How Creatives Build Lasting Careers
DESCRIPTION:How Creatives Build Lasting Careers\nArt100 International | The Long Game \nThursday 16 July | 14:00 BST | Online | Free \nSuccess in the art world rarely happens overnight. \nThe artists who build lasting careers are rarely those chasing a single breakthrough moment – they are the ones creating momentum through visibility\, recognition\, relationships\, and sustained opportunities over time. \nHosted in conjunction with the VAA Art100 International Art Prize\, this free online conversation brings together leading voices from across the art world to explore how artists can think beyond the next open call\, exhibition\, or sale and begin building a career that compounds. \nTogether with leading voices from the art world and creative industries\, we’ll discuss why repeated exposure matters more than isolated wins\, how institutional recognition can unlock future opportunities\, and why physical publication and documented achievements continue to hold value in an increasingly digital landscape. \nWhether you are emerging or established\, this session will offer practical insight into building a career designed for longevity. \nWhat we’ll cover \n•⁠ ⁠Why consistency and repeated exposure often create more opportunity than one-off success\n•⁠ ⁠How institutional recognition can strengthen credibility and open new pathways\n•⁠ ⁠The relationship between visibility\, trust\, and long-term collector engagement\n•⁠ ⁠Why physical publications and documented achievements still matter in a digital-first world\n•⁠ ⁠How artists can build a career ecosystem rather than relying on individual moments\n•⁠ ⁠What curators\, platforms\, and market professionals look for when identifying artists with long-term potential\n•⁠ ⁠Practical ways to create momentum and maintain visibility over time \nWho is this for? \nThis session is for artists at any stage who want to think more strategically about their long-term career – building visibility\, developing recognition\, and creating a body of work and reputation that compounds over time. \nEarly-career and established artists are equally welcome. \nMeet the Speakers \nTom Best | The Auction Collective\nTrained 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 through innovative and accessible auction technology. A passionate advocate for expanding access and creating opportunities\, Tom has helped raise more than £20 million for over 300 charities worldwide. He brings a rare combination of art market expertise\, commercial insight\, and enthusiasm for helping creatives succeed. \nBen 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. \nShirley-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. \nLaura O’Hare is a co-founder and Director of the Visual Artists Association\, with over a decade of experience in the fine arts sector. She leads the artistic and business development of VAA and serves as Director of the Visual Art Open Prize\, the Professional Artist Award\, and the International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize. With an extensive network spanning arts organisations\, galleries\, collectors\, and commercial partners\, and a background as a solicitor specialising in Employment Law\, Laura brings a rare combination of creative and professional expertise to supporting artists at every stage of their careers. \nFor any questions\, contact events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/how-creatives-build-lasting-careers/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-06-16-at-13.44.47.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260630T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260630T150000
DTSTAMP:20260525T160904Z
CREATED:20260223T181945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T160904Z
UID:10005222-1782828000-1782831600@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Art Café: Crossing Borders - Building an International Art Career
DESCRIPTION:Your next opportunity might not be in your home country. \nFor many artists\, the idea of building an international career feels out of reach – something that happens to other people\, in other circumstances. But the artists who have done it often say the same thing: it started with understanding how different art markets actually work\, and knowing where your work fits. \nWhat you will take away \n\nA clearer picture of which international markets might be right for your work and why\nAn understanding of what collectors\, galleries\, and curators in different countries are actually looking for\nPractical first steps for building relationships and visibility in new markets\nHonest insight into what has worked\, what hasn’t\, and what to do differently\nWhat artists wish they had known earlier about taking their career international\n\n  \nWho is this for? \nArtists at any stage who want to think more strategically about where their work could go – whether you are just starting to think internationally or ready to take concrete steps. Early-career and established artists both welcome. \nSpeakers\nShirley-Ann O’Neill is a Director of the Visual Artists Association and a core figure in VAA’s mentorship and artist development programmes. With extensive experience supporting artists at all stages of their careers\, she works closely with artists to help them grow their practice\, build visibility\, and navigate the professional art world with confidence. Shirley-Ann brings a strategic\, artist-centred perspective to everything she does and has a deep understanding of what it takes to build a sustainable and internationally recognised career. \nTamara Andjus is a Swiss-based artist known for her vibrant abstract figurative paintings\, characterised by dynamic brushwork\, layered compositions\, and emotionally charged colour. Originally trained in law\, she followed her lifelong passion for painting and has since exhibited across New York\, Paris\, London\, Dubai\, Barcelona\, Rome\, and Zurich. Represented by Fame Gallery in Zurich and Gallery Steiner in Vienna\, she has built a genuinely international career while also curating exhibitions for other artists in Switzerland and engaging in humanitarian and community projects. Her work is held in private collections worldwide. \nLaura O’Hare is a co-founder and Director of the Visual Artists Association\, with over a decade of experience in the fine arts sector. She leads the artistic and business development of VAA and serves as Director of the Visual Art Open Prize\, the Professional Artist Award\, and the International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize. With an extensive network spanning arts organisations\, galleries\, collectors\, and commercial partners\, and a background as a solicitor specialising in Employment Law\, Laura brings a rare combination of creative and professional expertise to supporting artists at every stage of their careers. \n  \nFor any questions\, feel free to contact us at events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/art-cafe-crossing-borders-building-an-international-art-career/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Art Cafe
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Art-Cafe-4-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260625T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260625T140000
DTSTAMP:20260527T204957Z
CREATED:20260430T083821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T204957Z
UID:10005229-1782392400-1782396000@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:OpenSpaces 2026 - Meet Our Partner Venues
DESCRIPTION:A virtual introduction to some of the spaces and partners joining the OpenSpaces 2026 global art trail \nWhether you are still deciding where to exhibit\, already have a venue secured\, or simply want to understand what an OpenSpaces exhibition looks like in practice – this session is for you. \nJoin us online to hear from a selection of our confirmed partner venues and partners. Each will introduce themselves\, share what they offer\, and answer your questions. It is an informal\, Q&A-style session – come with your questions. \nJoining us on the day: \nSEESAW – an arts and culture venue\, café and co-working space in the heart of Manchester city centre\, based in a listed building on Princess Street. Their foyer space – a large\, street-facing entrance lobby – will be available to exhibiting artists throughout November 2026. \nLongsight Art Space – an open-layout gallery and community hub in Longsight\, Manchester\, offering a flexible space with a strong community ethos. Available 2nd–16th November 2026\, with workshops and events running alongside exhibitions. \nBooks on the Walls – a characterful independent bookshop and café bar in Chester city centre. A small\, intimate space with a loyal local audience\, available throughout November 2026. \nFOLLOW.ART – a digital platform built by art world insiders\, designed to give artists and curators visibility and connection outside of traditional market structures. FOLLOW.ART will be extending the reach of OpenSpaces 2026 online\, bringing exhibitions to an international audience. \nWho this is for: Artists considering joining OpenSpaces 2026 | Artists already accepted who are exploring venue options | Artists who have secured their own venue and want to learn more about how partner spaces and businesses engage with the trail \nEvent details: Thursday 25 June 2026 | 1:00pm BST | Online – link provided upon booking | Free to attend \nFor any queries contact events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/openspaces-2026-meet-our-partner-venues/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,OpenSpaces 2026
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/VAA-Events-Visuals-2026-3-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T140000
DTSTAMP:20260506T153717Z
CREATED:20260506T102718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T153717Z
UID:10005230-1779973200-1779976800@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Why Your Art Isn't Selling | 90 Day Visibility Plan
DESCRIPTION:Why Your Art Isn’t Selling | 90 Day Visibility Plan\n28 May | 1:00pm – 2:00pm BST | Free Webinar \nYou’re making the work. You’re showing up. You might even have a following. So why isn’t it selling? The answer is rarely the work itself. It’s that most artists are visible but invisible – present online\, but not saying the right things\, to the right people\, in a way that makes anyone want to buy. In this free webinar\, VAA artist mentor Karen van Hoey Smith and Louise Minnaar introduce a practical 90 Day Visibility Plan built around one idea: that selling your art shouldn’t feel like selling at all\, it should feel like being understood. Across three phases\, you’ll learn how to build a foundation that actually converts\, show up with intention rather than just consistency\, and make it easy for the right people to say yes. Whether you’ve been at this for years or you’re just starting to take your practice seriously – if you’ve ever thought “I just need more people to see my work\,” this session will change how you think about that. \nMeet the Speakers \nKaren van Hoey Smith | Artist Mentor Karen van Hoey Smith is an artist mentor\, independent art broker\, and curator with over two decades of experience spanning galleries\, auction houses\, publishing\, and consultancy. Having sold works by Banksy\, Picasso\, and Bomberg\, she brings deep knowledge of the art market\, artist representation\, and what it takes to build a credible\, commercially successful practice. Karen works with artists to increase sales\, gain institutional recognition\, and develop a clear strategy for where they want their career to go. \nLouise Minnaar | Events & Partnership Coordinator\, VAA Louise brings over eight years of experience across the international art market\, spanning auction houses\, commercial galleries\, and large-scale publishing. She has guided collectors at every level – from first-time buyers to seasoned investors and specialises in helping artists understand buyer psychology\, refine their communication\, and approach sales with clarity and confidence.
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/why-your-art-isnt-selling-90-day-visibility-plan/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Taster Session | Creative Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Accountability-Circle-28th-May-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260521T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260521T140000
DTSTAMP:20260511T152011Z
CREATED:20260323T201240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T152011Z
UID:10005225-1779368400-1779372000@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Mentor Hour
DESCRIPTION:Mentor Hour – Free Webinar 21st May | 13:00 GMT \nBuilding a successful art career takes more than talent – it takes strategy\, clarity\, and the right guidance. Whether you’re looking to grow your presence online\, connect with collectors\, or take your practice to the next level\, getting advice from the right people can make all the difference. \nMentor Hour is a free live webinar hosted by the Visual Artists Association\, giving you direct access to two experienced art industry professionals. This is your opportunity to ask the questions that matter most to your career and walk away with practical\, actionable insight. \nIn this session you will: \n\nPut your questions directly to our mentors in a live Q&A\nGain insight into the online art market\, collector behaviour and how to position your work effectively\nDiscover how the VAA Mentorship Programme could support your artistic and professional growth\n\nYour mentors \nDavid Venon brings extensive knowledge of how the online art market operates and what it takes for artists to succeed within it. With a background in Visual Arts and Fashion Design\, David spent several years at Artfinder as Head of Artist Recruitment & Engagement\, overseeing a global community of artists. His expertise spans online selling platforms\, collector and buyer behaviour\, and how artists can position themselves for visibility and commercial success. He now works as a freelance art life coach and is a regular speaker at artist-focused events. \nLouise Minnaar brings over 8 years of experience across the art industry – from international auction houses to Whitewall Galleries\, one of the UK’s largest art publishers. With a background in art school and a degree in education\, Louise has a genuine talent for making the art world feel accessible\, and has helped collectors at every level engage meaningfully with art. \nDate: Wednesday 21st May Time: 13:00 GMT Cost: Free
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/mentor-hour-3/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Taster Session | Creative Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mentor-Hour-DV-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260519T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260519T140000
DTSTAMP:20260422T183907Z
CREATED:20260210T230937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T183907Z
UID:10005215-1779195600-1779199200@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Masterclass: The Role of Art Criticism Today - Why Reviews Still Matter
DESCRIPTION:Masterclass: The Role of Art Criticism Today – Why Reviews Still Matter19th May | 13:00 GMT (UK Time) | Online \nIn an art world increasingly shaped by social media\, algorithms\, and fast-moving digital platforms\, the value of art criticism is often misunderstood or overlooked. Yet reviews\, critical writing\, and informed commentary continue to play a powerful role in shaping artistic reputations\, influencing audiences\, and providing long-term context for artistic practice. \nThis masterclass brings together two leading voices in contemporary art criticism to unpack what art criticism really does today\, how it functions behind the scenes\, and why it still matters deeply for artists at all stages of their careers. The session will explore how critics approach exhibitions and artworks\, how reviews are formed\, and how critical writing intersects with institutions\, collectors\, and the wider art market. \nArtists will gain insight into how to engage with criticism constructively\, understand the difference between publicity and critique\, and navigate reviews without fear or misconception. The discussion will also address how artists can position their work within critical conversations and why thoughtful critique can be a valuable part of professional development rather than something to avoid. \nSpeakers \nTabish KhanTabish Khan is an art critic\, writer\, speaker\, podcaster\, and curator committed to making art accessible to wider audiences. He reviews hundreds of exhibitions each year\, from major institutional shows to emerging artist presentations\, and regularly writes for Londonist and FAD\, with bylines including Artsy\, Elephant\, Stir World\, and the New York Observer. He is co-host of the podcast The Good\, The Bad and The Arty\, has judged numerous art prizes\, and serves as a trustee of City & Guilds London Art School and Discerning Eye. He is also an honorary trustee of ArtCan and a critical friend of UP Projects. \nEmma Crichton-MillerEmma Crichton-Miller is a freelance journalist\, critic\, and author writing on fine art\, design\, ceramics\, collecting\, and culture for publications including the Financial Times\, The Sunday Telegraph\, ArtReview\, RA Magazine\, Prospect\, Crafts\, and Apollo\, where she has written a monthly art market column since 2018. She is the founding Editor-in-Chief of The Design Edit and has an extensive background in BBC television production. Emma is the author and co-author of several major art and design monographs\, including publications on Edmund de Waal\, John Ward\, and Kate Malone. \nThis masterclass is ideal for artists who want a clearer understanding of how criticism operates today\, how their work is read and interpreted\, and how critical engagement can support visibility\, credibility\, and long-term career growth. \nPlease make sure you are logged in first before selecting VAA Member Ticket option. \nFor any questions\, just email us at events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/masterclass-the-role-of-art-criticism-today-why-reviews-still-matter/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Masterclass
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Masterclass-scaled.png
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