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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Visual Artists Association
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260505
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260506
DTSTAMP:20260429T150425
CREATED:20251217T204400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T204400Z
UID:10005195-1777939200-1778025599@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-6/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Member Events,Hepdesk Sessions
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260506T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260506T143000
DTSTAMP:20260429T150425
CREATED:20260217T091422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T092207Z
UID:10005216-1778072400-1778077800@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Bootcamp: Online Gallery Art Sales
DESCRIPTION:Online Gallery Sales Bootcamp: Building a Sustainable Art Business \n90 minute Intensive Online CourseLed by David Venon & Louise Minnaar \nSelling art online doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This practical bootcamp is designed to help artists confidently navigate the shift from traditional\, face-to-face selling to building a strong and sustainable online presence. \nThrough clear\, actionable steps\, you’ll learn how to choose the right platforms\, refine your brand\, price your work effectively\, and build long-term relationships with collectors — all while developing a realistic\, data-led strategy for growth. Whether you’re new to online sales or looking to strengthen your existing approach\, this session will give you the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence. \nWhat Artists Will Learn \n\nHow to research and select the right online sales platforms for your work\nBuilding a strong and cohesive artist brand that attracts buyers\nPricing strategies for online markets and understanding buyer behaviour\nSetting realistic goals and tracking progress using data and KPIs\nIncreasing visibility through consistent activity and professional communication\nUnderstanding customer personas and building long-term collector relationships\nPractical next steps to grow – or reassess – your online sales strategy\n\nWho Is This For \n\nArtists looking to start selling their work online\nCreatives transitioning from in-person sales to digital platforms\nArtists who feel overwhelmed by online marketplaces and want clear structure\nNeurodivergent or introverted artists seeking alternatives to traditional sales environments\nEmerging and mid-career artists wanting a more strategic\, business-focused approach to their practice\n\n\nSpeakers\nDavid Venon – Art Life Coach \nOriginally from France\, David Venon moved to the UK 20 years ago after completing Visual Arts studies and obtaining a degree in Fashion Design. With over 15 years’ experience in the service industry and content creation\, he joined Artfinder in 2019 as Community Manager and was later promoted to Head of Artist Recruitment & Engagement\, overseeing a team of curators and a global community of more than 4\,000 artists. David now works freelance as an art life coach and is a regular guest speaker at artist-focused events. \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. \n\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-online-art-sales/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Courses,Member Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260512T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260512T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T150425
CREATED:20260128T141411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T185749Z
UID:10005213-1778590800-1778594400@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:In Conversation: FOLLOW.ART
DESCRIPTION:In Conversation: FOLLOW.ART12th May\, 1pm (BST) | Online \nJoin the second webinar in VAA’s In Conversation series\, where we invite industry partners to share insight into their work and their role within the contemporary art world. \nWe are delighted to welcome Evelina Gorbacova\, Head of Digital Development at FOLLOW.ART. Evelina will introduce the work of FOLLOW.ART\, discuss how they support artists and institutions\, and explore ways artists can engage with and benefit from the platform. \nEvelina Gorbacova \nEvelina is the Head of Digital Development at FOLLOW ART\, an international network supporting curators and artists. With more than six years’ experience in the fine art sector and recent work focused on the intersection of art and technology\, her work centres on platform development and long term career support for creatives. She is committed to widening access within the arts and enabling emerging talent through strategic tools and digital solutions. \nFOLLOW.ART is a digital platform designed to support artists and curators by providing tools for professional presentation\, visibility and collaboration\, free from algorithms and restrictive gatekeeping. Drawing on first hand experience from more than five hundred international art fairs\, the platform created the Nexus Card\, a combined business card and portfolio that allows artists to control how their work is shared\, communicate directly with interested parties and access a global network for career growth. The platform facilitates purposeful connections through intuitive search tools\, without ranking systems or popularity based algorithms\, supporting a more sustainable and equitable art ecosystem. \nThe session will also include VAA member updates\, time for Q&A with the VAA team\, and a short walkthrough of your membership benefits and resources. \nA valuable opportunity to gain industry insight\, ask questions\, and stay connected with the wider VAA community. \nIf you have any questions about this webinar\, please email events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/in-conversation-follow-art/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Members Meetings
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260513T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260513T150000
DTSTAMP:20260429T150425
CREATED:20260210T225657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T230302Z
UID:10005214-1778680800-1778684400@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Creative Futures: Navigating the Art World as a New Artist
DESCRIPTION:Creative Futures: Navigating the Art World as a New Artist13th May | 2pm GMT | Online \nStarting out in the art world can feel overwhelming\, with unclear pathways\, unspoken rules\, and competing advice. This panel brings together arts professionals working across curation\, artist support\, art fairs and career development to demystify what the early stages of an art career really look like. \nSpeakers \nThis session brings together a panel of experienced arts professionals who support artists at different stages of their careers\, offering complementary perspectives on how the art world operates and how artists can navigate it effectively. \nShirley-Ann O’Neill is the founder of the Visual Artists Association and a leading arts director and curator with over 20 years of experience in the visual arts sector. She is 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. Through her work\, Shirley-Ann has supported thousands of artists worldwide\, shaping VAA’s CPD and mentorship programmes and advocating for sustainable\, professional artist careers. \nRyan Boultbee is a multidisciplinary artist and cultural leader based in the Midlands. He is a Director at No Jobs in the Arts CIC\, an organisation dedicated to supporting early-career artists and curators through opportunities\, services and representation. Ryan also sits on the committee at Surface Gallery\, Nottingham\, and brings a grounded\, sector-focused perspective on access\, equity and career development for emerging creatives. \nHannah Grout is Senior Fair Manager at The Other Art Fair\, presented by Saatchi Art. She works closely with UK and international artists\, overseeing curation\, exhibitor development and feature programming. With a background in art marketing and PR\, Hannah offers valuable insight into how artists can position themselves professionally within art fairs and the wider contemporary art market. \nLaura O’Hare is Director at the Visual Artists Association and leads the artistic and business development across VAA programmes. With a background in law and over a decade in the fine art sector\, Laura has extensive experience supporting artists through prizes\, exhibitions\, partnerships and professional development initiatives. She works closely with artists to help them navigate the commercial and strategic realities of building a sustainable art career. \n\n\n\n\n\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/36381/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Featured Event
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260519T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260519T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T150425
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260520T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260520T103000
DTSTAMP:20260429T150425
CREATED:20251217T210139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T210139Z
UID:10005203-1779269400-1779273000@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Artist Development Sessions
DESCRIPTION:Join an Artist Development Session – a VAA Member Benefit \nAs a Visual Artists Association (VAA) member\, you’re invited to take part in our Artist Development Sessions – small group sessions led by a VAA Artist Mentor. These sessions are designed to help you work through anything that may be holding you back in your practice\, ask questions in a supportive environment\, and connect with fellow artists. \nThese one-hour sessions take place online via Zoom and have been described by members as “invaluable”. Alongside mentor guidance\, you’ll also have the chance to meet other VAA members. \nAbout the Lead \nAmy Jobes is a contemporary landscape painter based in North Devon\, whose practice is deeply inspired by the dramatic coastline\, expansive skies\, and natural environments of the region. Her work explores themes of connection\, presence\, and the emotional and psychological responses we experience through nature\, resulting in paintings created intuitively and with strong emotional depth. Alongside her own practice\, Amy is one of the artist mentors at the Visual Artists Association and has co-led the VAA Momentum course\, supporting artists in developing sustainable and confident careers. Her areas of arts marketing knowledge include Getting Gallery Ready\, Limited Edition Prints\, Branding\, E-marketing\, Websites\, Partnerships and Charities\, Artist Collectives\, and Artist Residencies. Website \nBook your session through our Calendly system: https://calendly.com/visualartistsassociation/artist-development-sessions \nOnce booked\, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link. Please remember to save it to your calendar. If a date no longer appears\, it means the session is fully booked\, simply check the next available dates. \nVAA Members Only\nThis session is exclusive to VAA Members.If you would like to access this session and our full programme of artist development masterclasses\, mentorship\, resources and support\, you can join the Visual Artists Association here: https://visual-artists.org/join/ \nCancellations & QuestionsIf you are no longer able to attend\, please email us to cancel your place.For questions or support\, contact: events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/artist-development-sessions-3/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Artist Development Sessions
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260521T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260521T140000
DTSTAMP:20260429T150425
CREATED:20260323T201240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T084345Z
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
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