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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Visual Artists Association
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260203T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260203T143000
DTSTAMP:20260420T115641
CREATED:20251201T010026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T101526Z
UID:10005179-1770123600-1770129000@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Bootcamp: Art Sales
DESCRIPTION:Bootcamp: Art Sales\n90 minute Intensive Online CourseLed by Karen van Hoey Smith & Louise Minnaar \nThis focused 90 minute intensive course is designed for creative professionals who engage with audiences\, clients and collectors and want to strengthen their confidence\, communication and sales approach. Whether you present artwork\, manage exhibitions\, liaise with buyers or support artists in any capacity\, this session offers practical\, proven methods to help you communicate value clearly and create meaningful buying conversations. \nYou will walk away with a stronger understanding of how people make purchasing decisions in the art world and how to guide those conversations with professionalism and ease. \nAll attendees will receive: \n\nThe VAA Guide to Art Sales\nSession resources and worksheets\nAccess to the session recording\n\nWhat You Will Learn\nThis intensive session provides applicable\, real world sales tools for anyone interfacing with collectors\, visitors or potential buyers\, including how to: \n\nUnderstand buyer motivations and adapt communication to different personalities\nPresent artwork and creative practice with confidence and clarity\nCreate engaging introductions and build rapport naturally\nCommunicate value and discuss pricing with assurance\nNavigate hesitations and transform objections into constructive dialogue\nDevelop longer term relationships that encourage trust and future opportunities\n\nThese skills are relevant to exhibitions\, fairs\, open studios\, private viewings\, online interactions and professional environments where artwork is shown\, discussed or sold. \nSpeakers\nKaren van Hoey Smith – Artist Mentor\nKaren is an artist mentor\, independent art broker and curator with more than twenty years of experience across the arts and antiques sector. Previously the youngest female auctioneer in the UK\, Karen has worked as a gallery manager\, publishing partner and consultant expert for major media outlets. She has brokered high value works by leading artists and now supports creative professionals in improving communication\, sales confidence and strategic career development. \nLouise Minnaar – VAA Events & Partnership Coordinator\nLouise brings over eight years of global experience in the art industry\, spanning international auctions\, commercial galleries and large scale publishing houses. She has guided collectors at every level\, from first time buyers to seasoned investors\, and specialises in helping creative professionals understand buyer psychology\, refine client communication and approach sales with clarity and professionalism. \nBooking Information\nThis is an online 90 minute intensive course.For any queries\, please contact events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/bootcamp-art-sales/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Courses,Member Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260205T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260205T140000
DTSTAMP:20260420T115641
CREATED:20251201T101233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T122401Z
UID:10005177-1770296400-1770300000@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Accountability Circle
DESCRIPTION:VAA Accountability Circle\nStarts: Thursday\, 5th February 2026Time: 13:00 GMT (UK time)Format: Weekly online group sessionsPrice: £39 per month or £300 for the full year \nThe VAA Accountability Circle is a weekly accountability programme for artists who want to build momentum\, stay focused\, and make steady progress in their creative and professional practice. \nIt’s designed for artists who work well with structure and shared commitment – whether you’re developing a new body of work\, preparing for exhibitions\, applying for opportunities\, or simply trying to stay consistent and motivated. \nThe programme combines guided weekly sessions with peer accountability\, practical goal-setting\, and a supportive artist community. \nScheduleThe programme begins with four Thursday sessions (5th–26th February).From March onwards\, sessions continue weekly on Tuesdays\, with timings rotating monthly to support artists in different schedules.All sessions are recorded\, with summaries shared for those unable to attend live. \n\nWho It’s For\n\nArtists seeking structure\, motivation\, and accountability\nArtists working towards specific creative or professional goals\nArtists who value peer support and shared progress\nArtists at any career stage who want to stay connected and consistent\n\n\nWhat to Expect\n\nWeekly live group sessions with a mentor and fellow artists\nSpace to set intentions\, share progress\, reflect\, and troubleshoot challenges\nA clear accountability framework to support consistent action\nThe app (Google Classrooms): track goals\, tasks\, wins\, access resources\, and watch recordings\nWhatsApp group for informal connection and ongoing support between sessions\nOccasional sessions led by additional VAA mentors and invited industry specialists\n\n\nLead Mentor\nKaren van Hoey Smith \nKaren is an artist mentor\, independent art broker\, and curator with over 20 years of experience across the art market. Her background spans auctioneering\, gallery management\, art consultancy\, and publishing. She has represented and brokered work by leading artists and has supported hundreds of artists in building sustainable\, confident\, and commercially aware art careers. \nEligibility\nThe Mastermind is available exclusively to VAA Members. \nTo join VAA\, visit: https://visual-artists.org/join/
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/vaa-rise-mastermind/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,members,Opportunities,Member Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260210
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260211
DTSTAMP:20260420T115641
CREATED:20251201T091421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T091421Z
UID:10005180-1770681600-1770767999@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:VAA Support for Members - Helpdesk Sessions
DESCRIPTION:Navigating an art career comes with big decisions and sometimes you need clear\, expert guidance right when the question arises. That is exactly what our Helpdesk Sessions are for. Designed exclusively for VAA Members\, these focused consultations give you direct access to professional support so you can move forward with confidence and momentum. \nArtists use the Helpdesk for concise\, practical guidance on: \n– Strategic planning and setting direction– Marketing\, visibility and promoting your work– Pricing and positioning within the market– Building networks\, opportunities and partnerships– Finance\, tax and professional administration– Any specific challenge where expert advice can help \nAfter you submit your enquiry\, a member of the VAA team will contact you for a brief assessment so we can determine the most effective way to support you. Depending on your needs\, guidance may be provided via email\, phone\, or a scheduled Zoom session. \nPlease note:– Helpdesk Sessions are subject to availability and intended for one-off\, targeted advice.– If a quick solution exists\, we may direct you immediately to the relevant resources. \nTo request Helpdesk support\, email hello@visual-artists.org or book directly via our Calendly system:https://calendly.com/visualartistsassociation \nShirley-Ann O’NeillShirley-Ann is an arts director\, curator\, and co-founder of the VAA with over two decades of experience helping artists build sustainable\, successful careers. She is co-author of the bestselling books Good Art Does Not Sell Itself and Securing Representation\, and her curatorial work has been featured by the BBC\, Sky News and the International New York Times.As Programme Director for the VAA’s CPD and mentorship programmes\, she leads initiatives such as the Art Sales Academy and Artist Momentum. She also hosts the Art Insider podcast and has served on the selection panel for The Other Art Fair London by Saatchi Art. \nWe are committed to supporting your artistic and professional growth – if you need direction\, clarity or a trusted sounding board\, the Helpdesk is here for you.
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/vaa-support-for-members-helpdesk-sessions-2/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Member Events,Hepdesk Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Helpdesk-Sessions-scaled.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260211T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260211T140000
DTSTAMP:20260420T115641
CREATED:20251211T104653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T122718Z
UID:10005190-1770814800-1770818400@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:From Entry to Exposure: Making the Most of Art Prize Platforms
DESCRIPTION:From Entry to Exposure: Making the Most of Art Prize Platforms11th February | 13:00 GMT | Free Online Event \nEntering an art prize is more than a submission – it’s an opportunity to elevate your visibility\, expand your network\, and strengthen your creative career. \nJoin the Visual Artists Association and the Visual Art Open for a panel discussion designed to help artists make the most of prize platforms at every stage of the journey. Whether you’re applying for the first time or looking to convert recognition into meaningful opportunities\, this session will guide you through practical strategies for using prize entries to build momentum. \nSpeakers:\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 Professional Artist Award and the International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize. 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. \nRebekah Balshaw (she/her) is a curator\, artist\, Director of Short Supply and a dedicated creative producer with a strong track record in project management\, audience engagement\, and community-led practice. With a background in visual arts Rebekah has built her career supporting artists and audiences who face systemic barriers to participation in the arts. In her previous role as Learning & Engagement Coordinator at With-you\, she specialised in delivering inclusive\, responsive programmes that empowered people through peer-support. Rebekah brings a unique blend of administrative precision and empathetic leadership\, making her an invaluable force in shaping and delivering Short Supply’s innovative\, artist-first projects. \nLi Hao is a contemporary artist whose work explores the relationship between the individual and the collective through mirrored environments\, transparent materials\, light\, and interactive technology. Originally trained as an architect\, he graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in 2008 before transitioning fully into artistic practice in 2016. His installations are rooted in narrative\, perception\, and shared human experience — inviting audiences into reflective spaces where identity\, community\, and self-awareness converge. Li Hao also leads Program SPARK\, an award-winning socially engaged public art initiative created with left-behind children and rural communities across China. The project combines industrial materials with local cultural languages to address social issues such as educational equity and has received major accolades including the International Award for Public Art (Asia and Southeast Asia) and the iF Social Impact Prize. Li Hao’s works have been exhibited widely across China\, including at the Inside-Out Art Museum (Beijing)\, Art Hengsha Island (Shanghai)\, and Glow Shenzhen. Li is the overall winner of the Visual Art Open 2025 Award. \nShirley-Ann\, 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 and currently hosts the popular new art podcast\, Art Insider. \nKristine Nason is a multidisciplinary artist based in the south of England\, whose career spans equestrian art\, portraiture\, illustration\, and contemporary oil painting. Beginning as a young equine artist\, she later worked in fine-art publishing before establishing herself as a successful watercolourist and educator\, earning full membership of both the Society of Women Artists and the Society of Equestrian Artists. Since 2020\, her practice has expanded into expressive oil painting\, navigating between equestrian subjects and semi-abstract narrative works inspired by her family’s Ghanaian heritage and her life in coastal Accra. Through themes of identity\, belonging\, and cultural memory\, her work brings dynamic energy and emotional depth to each subject. Kristine exhibits widely across National Art Societies and has received numerous accolades. \nThe Women in Art initiative seeks to promote and support the visibility\, representation\, and contributions of women in the art world. This movement addresses historical imbalances and advocates for greater inclusion of female artists\, curators\, and critics in exhibitions\, galleries\, and art institutions. \nKey aspects of the initiative often include: \nExhibitions and Showcases**: Organising exhibitions that specifically highlight the work of women artists\, showcasing their diverse perspectives and contributions. \nEducational Programs**: Offering workshops\, lectures\, and panel discussions aimed at raising awareness about the challenges women face in the art world and promoting their achievements. \nMentorship and Networking**: Creating opportunities for emerging female artists to connect with established figures in the art community\, fostering support and collaboration. \nResearch and Advocacy**: Conducting studies and publishing reports on gender disparities in the art world to inform policies and practices that promote equity. \nOverall\, the Women in Art initiative aims to create a more inclusive and equitable art landscape\, celebrating the vital role women play in shaping artistic expression and cultural dialogue. \nThey hold a yearly annual award for women artists @womeninartprize_ which opens on the 8th March for international women’s day www.womeninartprize.com \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis relaxed\, insight-packed conversation is ideal for artists at any stage who want to develop a stronger\, more strategic approach to art prizes. \nPlease ensure you book your place in advance. For any questions\, just email us at events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/from-entry-to-exposure-making-the-most-of-art-prize-platforms/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Opportunities,Open Calls
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260217T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260217T140000
DTSTAMP:20260420T115641
CREATED:20251201T205106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T100738Z
UID:10005184-1771333200-1771336800@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Masterclass: The Psychology of Collectors - Understanding Buyer Behaviour
DESCRIPTION:Masterclass: The Psychology of Collectors – Understanding Buyer BehaviourTuesday 17th February\, 1pm – 2pm (UK time) \nUnderstanding why collectors buy art is essential for building meaningful relationships and strengthening your sales strategy. In this insightful masterclass\, we will delve into the emotional and psychological drivers behind art purchasing\, helping you engage your audience with greater confidence and clarity. \nThis Masterclass will be delivered by David Venon \nDavid Venon – born in France and having moved to the UK over twenty years ago – holds a formal Visual Art education alongside a Fashion Design technical degree. He has over 20 years of experience in the service industry\, managing communities and creating content. David has also spent the past six years at Artfinder\, a global art marketplace and B Corp with a mission to help artists make a living from their passion\, where he worked as a Community Leader and later as Head of Artist Recruitment & Engagement. He now works freelance as an artist coach and event speaker. \nGuest Speaker: Addi Aegisdottir\nAddi is the Creative Director at Mall Galleries\, home to the Federation of British Artists. As a visual arts charity founded in 1961\, Mall Galleries is dedicated to empowering artists through a not-for-profit programme of exhibitions\, events\, prizes and awards with a strong focus on figurative art. \nServing on the senior leadership team\, Addi works closely with the CEO\, Chair\, and Board of Trustees to provide artists with exceptional learning and engagement opportunities. With a specialisation in the culture and heritage sector\, sales development\, e-commerce\, marketing\, and brand development\, Addi possesses a genuine passion for empowering artists at all stages of their careers. Over the past three years\, Addi has successfully launched Mall Galleries Art Consultancy\, a bespoke service catering to private and corporate clients seeking to commission and curate art by both emerging and established artists. \nAddi has extensive knowledge of the primary and secondary art market\, having built collections for high-profile national and international private collectors and institutions. Prior to working with Mall Galleries\, Addi held positions with Everard Read\, Africa’s oldest commercial art gallery representing over 60 contemporary artists from South Africa and Europe and the UK’s leading private Fine Art Dealers travelling extensively for clients and placements of artwork within leading art fairs\, including Tefaf Maastricht\, Frieze and The Armory Show. \nWe will explore: \n\nWhat motivates collectors when purchasing art\nHow emotional\, psychological and practical factors guide buyers\nThe different types of collectors and how to engage each group effectively\nHow artists can refine their sales conversations and presentations\n\nThis masterclass is exclusive to VAA Members. \n\nPremium Members: Free access to all masterclasses\nStandard Members: £12.49 per session\n\nTo join the Visual Artists Association\, visit: https://visual-artists.org/join
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/masterclass-the-psychology-of-collectors-understanding-buyer-behaviour/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,members,Masterclass
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Masterclass-2-scaled.png
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