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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Visual Artists Association
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260714T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260714T143000
DTSTAMP:20260616T125743Z
CREATED:20260217T172648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T125743Z
UID:10005217-1784034000-1784039400@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Bootcamp: Instagram for Artists
DESCRIPTION:90 Minute Intensive Online Course: Instagram for Artists \nBuilding a sustainable creative career requires more than talent alone. This practical online session explores how artists and creative freelancers can develop long-term careers by balancing artistic growth\, professional visibility and financial sustainability. \nThrough real-world insights and actionable advice\, you’ll learn how to identify opportunities\, build meaningful professional relationships\, strengthen your creative practice and make informed career decisions. Whether you’re emerging or established\, this session offers clear strategies for navigating the realities of today’s creative industries. \nWhat You’ll Learn \n\nHow to build a sustainable and resilient creative career\nDeveloping professional networks and industry relationships\nCreating opportunities for growth\, visibility and income\nBalancing creative practice with business development\nSetting realistic goals and planning your next career steps\n\nWho Is This For? \n\nEmerging and mid-career artists\nCreative freelancers and independent practitioners\nArtists looking to grow their professional opportunities\nCreatives seeking practical career development advice\n\nCourse Leads \nAdwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi are the multi award winning creative duo behind Adeche Atelier\, known for their work as artists\, storytellers and content creators exploring African mythology\, folklore and culture through contemporary practice. \nWinners of the ITV bCreator Awards Canon Best Original Content Creator and recipients of the All Things Africa Cultural Vanguard Award\, their work focuses on advancing cultural literacy and challenging misconceptions around African spirituality and heritage. Their distinctive artistic approach is rooted in African oral traditions and spiritual systems. \nWith a combined social audience of over half a million followers\, Adeche Atelier has collaborated with institutions including The National Gallery London\, BBC Arts\, the Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge and EA Games with Black Girl Gamers. They have also created digital content for The Walker Art Gallery and The Hayward Gallery\, helping to engage wider audiences with art and culture. \nThe duo met while studying architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture\, where their shared interest in storytelling and visual culture evolved into an ongoing creative partnership. Their work today spans painting\, podcasting and digital content\, including their podcast Afro Mythos\, which explores African deities\, histories and spiritual traditions. \nWebsite | Instagram \nBooking Information\nThis is a 90 minute intensive online course. The session will be recorded\, and all course resources will be shared with everyone who signs up. \nFor any queries\, please contact events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/bootcamp-instagram-for-artists/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Courses,Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Bootcamp-Instagram-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260715
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260716
DTSTAMP:20251217T204542Z
CREATED:20251217T204542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T204542Z
UID:10005197-1784073600-1784159999@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-8/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Member Events,Hepdesk Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Helpdesk-Sessions-scaled.png
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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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260717T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260717T133000
DTSTAMP:20260616T132413Z
CREATED:20260616T131813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T132413Z
UID:10005242-1784286000-1784295000@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:VAA Artist Networking Coffee Morning
DESCRIPTION:VAA Artist Networking Coffee Morning \nArtists are invited to attend a free Coffee Morning as part of the Wayfarers Contemporary Art Fair delivered in collaboration with the Visual Artists Association. \nFriday 17 July 2026 11:00 AM  \nWayfarers Arcade\n311-317 Lord Street\, Southport\, PR8 1NT \nThis event offers a relaxed space for creatives to meet\, talk\, and discover new work over complimentary coffee and cake. \nThe morning also provides the opportunity to visit the Art Fair\, and see featured artists installations including Mike Chavez Dawson\, Tina Dempsey\, Tony Heaton\, Brian Lewis\, Peter Layzell\, Julian Taylor\, Tammy Walters and Robin Utracik. \nTickets are free but places are limited. Please book here. \n\nhttps://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/111003/sessions/982738/sections/186152/tickets\n\n\n.\n\n\nMeet with:  \n\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.
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/40143/
LOCATION:Wayfarers Arcade 311-317 Lord Street\, Southport\, PR8 1NT
CATEGORIES:Art Cafe
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-16-at-14.16.52.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260722T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260722T103000
DTSTAMP:20251217T210233Z
CREATED:20251217T210233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T210233Z
UID:10005204-1784712600-1784716200@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-4/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Artist Development Sessions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Artist-Development-Sessions-Amy-Jobes-scaled.png
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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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Featured-Events-1-scaled.jpg
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