The VAA Artist CEO RISE Programme is an accelerator course for artists to gain the skills necessary to develop a profitable artist business and sell more art.

The course will help you get clear on what your future as an artist looks like, so you can discover your style and work that excites you. Create multiple streams of income in your art business, whilst launching art or collections with confidence to result in sales.

This short course will give you the clarity to move your art business forward and gain valuable momentum.

The Artist CEO RISE Programme will be hosted by Karen van Hoey Smith. Karen is an artist mentor, independent art broker and curator. She holds a degree in Fine Arts Valuation and has worked in the arts and antiques world since graduating in 2001. She was the youngest female auctioneer in the UK. Karen has served as a consultant expert for the BBC, magazines, newspapers and radio, worked as an art consultant in London, managed galleries in Bristol, and was a senior partner at an art publishing house. With a successful track record as an art broker, having sold works by Banksy, Picasso and Bomberg, Karen brings a wealth of experience in artist representation, curating exhibitions and guiding artists to achieve their goals – whether that’s increasing sales or gaining recognition in public art institutions.

She will be joined by Amy Jobes, a professional artist herself for over ten years. Amy has previously worked with the likes of Echo Beach Gallery, Artists & Illustrators Magazine, and even the VAA as a speaker at our ‘How to Build a Small but Mighty Artist’s List’ Masterclass.

Course Dates

Provisional Dates: 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th September

Course Overview

The Artist CEO Programme will provide you with invaluable knowledge on the key practicalities and necessary considerations for effective business growth; giving an insight into the skills required to successfully access opportunities to gain visibility with the right audience.

This course will provide you with clarity on your next steps to accelerate growth in your art practice. Through group discussion and critical reflection on VAA case studies, you will be introduced to contemporary approaches to artists’ income streams, which you will use to develop your own income, visibility and professional development.

Course Curriculum and Delivery

 The course consists of a series of four online seminars, each of which comprises an opportunity for discussion, examples of case studies, and time for feedback on weekly assignments. Between each online seminar you will be set a short task, designed to nurture your own arts practice to build your business strategy and planning skills, with support from your tutor and peers.

Session 1: Creating your artist’s strategy – Your Vision, Goals

Session 2: Artwork Ready – Your story & brand, communicating confidently. Your Niche, Ideal buyer.

Session 3: Multiple Streams of Art Income – Accessing Opportunities (Gallery Ready, Art Fairs, Publishers etc)

Session 4: Implementation, Gap Analysis – Creating consistent sales with a proven system

Optional activity, VAA Artist Coffee Roulette:

Online Peer Networking Session: Matched with another artist across the globe for a zoom networking diary time for 15-30 minutes.

It was very practical, funny and easygoing session.

It took me to think over my fears – in my opinion it’s better to embrace them than to run away from them. The best thing is that I could see myself reflected in every other artist, despite the differing career stages.

Maggie

It is useful for me to have my vision, strategy and goals questioned. It keeps me accountable. I particularly enjoyed the relaxed and informal and upbeat delivery of the information.

Maria

For more information about the course, or for any general queries, please get in contact at hello@visual-artists.org, or call us on 0203 904 2600.

Could YOU be one of the Top 500 USA Artists?

Artists selected for the VAA Art500 will receive a comprehensive package of professional opportunities and support valued at over $890.

This includes the VAA Artist CEO RISE Programme, comprising four development sessions to help grow their art business. Successful applicants will gain automatic entry to the VAA Artist of the Year Awards, a six-month professional Artfinder subscription with tailored sales support, and consideration for inclusion in the printed edition of the VAA Art500 Industry Book, a high-quality publication circulated among collectors, galleries, and art professionals along with formal recognition as VAA Preferred Artists.

How to Book The Artist CEO RISE Programme

This course is subsided by the VAA.

There is a course fee, of $500 plus 20% VAT.

Premium members of the VAA are entitled to an exclusive 10% discount, proof of membership is required.

Please contact us at hello@visual-artists.org to reserve your place – spaces limited.