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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:20260404T110029
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bootcamp-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260129T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260129T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T110029
CREATED:20260112T132858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T152331Z
UID:10005212-1769691600-1769695200@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Free Taster Session: VAA Rise Mastermind
DESCRIPTION:Event detailsDate: Thursday 29th January 2026Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm GMTFormat: Online \nJoin us for a free introduction to the VAA Rise Mastermind\, a new weekly\, mentor led accountability circle designed to help artists build focus\, momentum and consistency in their practice. \nLead mentorKaren van Hoey Smith is an artist mentor\, independent art broker and curator with over twenty years of experience working across the art market. Her background spans auctioneering\, gallery management\, art consultancy and publishing\, and she has supported hundreds of artists in developing confident\, sustainable and professional art careers. Karen brings a practical\, honest and deeply supportive approach to mentoring\, helping artists gain clarity\, build momentum and make progress that lasts. \nWho this session is forThis session is for artists who are serious about their practice and want to move forward with more focus\, structure and consistency. It is particularly suited to artists who feel they know what they should be doing\, but struggle to do it consistently\, or who feel isolated\, stuck or unsure what to prioritise next. \nWhy joinThe VAA Rise Mastermind is designed to help artists turn intention into action. It provides a weekly structure that supports clarity\, accountability and steady progress\, without pressure or burnout. By combining mentor guidance with peer support\, the Mastermind helps artists stay motivated\, make better decisions\, and build sustainable habits around their practice and careers. \nThis free taster session offers a chance to experience the format\, tone and approach of the Mastermind before deciding whether it is the right next step for you. \nIf you are unable to attend live\, please do still sign up\, as the recording will be shared with everyone who registers. If you have any questions about the VAA Rise Mastermind programme\, please feel free to email events@visual-artists.org \n\nMore information: https://visual-artists.org/vaa-rise-mastermind/\nEnquiry form: https://visual-artists.org/vaa-rise-mastermind/vaa-rise-mastermind-enquiry-form/\n\nTo join VAA\, visit: https://visual-artists.org/join/
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/free-taster-session-vaa-rise-mastermind/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Taster Session | Creative Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rise-Taster-Session-scaled.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260128T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260128T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T110029
CREATED:20251201T102841Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T105432Z
UID:10005181-1769605200-1769608800@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:VAA in Conversation
DESCRIPTION:VAA in Conversation\nWednesday\, 28th January13:00pm GMT (UK Time) | Online via Zoom \nJoin us for the first VAA in Conversation session – a new series spotlighting the organisations\, partners\, and creative allies shaping opportunities for artists today. \nFor our January edition\, we’re pleased to welcome The Hugo Burge Foundation\, a leading UK charity supporting creativity through grants\, residencies\, free studio provision\, and learning programmes for artists and creative communities. \nAbout The Hugo Burge FoundationFounded in 2021\, the Hugo Burge Foundation is a UK charity dedicated to supporting the arts\, crafts and creative industries. Believing creativity can transform lives and communities\, we fund Creative Education\, Creative Communities and Individual Artists\, offer free studios and monthly residencies\, and work with schools and partners to expand access to creativity and creative learning. We also welcome the public to events\, courses and workshops at our Common Room and walled gardens. \nThis session will explore the Foundation’s approach to artist support\, highlight current and future opportunities\, and offer insight into how their programmes are developed and delivered. \nOur guest speaker is Dr Emma Aviet\, Projects and Engagement Officer at the Hugo Burge Foundation. Working with the small team\, she’s helped to set up and run the new grants programme\, plan and select residency placements\, and build the learning programme for the Foundation. Originally from California\, Emma joined HBF in May 2023 after working in the Scottish Borders as a doctoral intern with Historic Environment Scotland\, researching on creativity in heritage sites. She is also on the board of Summerhall Arts in Edinburgh. \nWebsite | Instagram  \nVAA Member Updates\nWe will conclude with key VAA announcements and member updates. \nVAA Members Only\nThis event 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/
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/vaa-in-conversation/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Member Events,Members Meetings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/VAA-in-Conversation-2-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260127T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260127T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T110029
CREATED:20251201T010054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T122308Z
UID:10005178-1769518800-1769522400@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Mentor Hour
DESCRIPTION:Mentor Hour with Karen van Hoey Smith\nTuesday\, 27th January\, 1pm UK time – Online (1 hour) \nDeveloping a successful and sustainable art practice requires clarity\, confidence and access to expert guidance. In this Mentor Hour\, we invite you to join artist mentor Karen van Hoey Smith for an open Q&A session designed to support artists at every stage of their career. \nThis session offers an opportunity to ask your artistic and professional development questions directly to an experienced mentor who has worked across galleries\, auctions\, consultancy and artist representation. Whether you are building momentum\, navigating challenges\, or planning your next steps\, this hour will provide practical and grounded support. \nArtists are invited to ask questions on topics such as: \n\nStrengthening your artistic direction and confidence\nDeveloping a portfolio and preparing submissions\nPricing your work and increasing sales\nApproaching galleries and seeking representation\nCreating sustainable creative habits\nPlanning exhibitions or building a collection strategy\nUnderstanding the art market and positioning your work\nStaying accountable and progressing towards your goals\n\nPlease come prepared with any questions you would like to discuss. The session will be guided by the topics you bring. \nKaren van Hoey Smith – Artist Mentor\nKaren is an artist mentor\, independent art broker and curator with more than twenty years of experience in the arts and antiques sector. Holding a degree in Fine Arts Valuation\, she has worked as a gallery manager\, senior partner at an art publishing house\, art consultant in London\, and the youngest female auctioneer in the UK. Karen has brokered work by leading artists including Banksy\, Picasso and Bomberg and regularly supports artists in developing their practice\, increasing sales and gaining recognition in public and commercial settings. \nLouise Minnaar – VAA Events & Partnership Coordinator\nLouise brings over eight years’ experience in the international art industry\, from global art auctions to commercial galleries. She has supported collectors from emerging buyers to those acquiring major works by artists such as Picasso and Miró. Drawing on her background in arts education and gallery practice\, Louise facilitates supportive conversations for artists and will also introduce the VAA Mentorship Programme during the session. \nJoin us for this opportunity to receive expert guidance\, ask your questions directly to a mentor and gain valuable insight into strengthening your artistic and professional journey. \nThis session is free and open to both VAA members and non-members.Booking is essential. If you experience any issues\, please contact events@visual-artists.org.
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/mentor-hour/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Opportunities,Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mentor-Hour-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260120T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260120T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T110029
CREATED:20251201T010053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T200253Z
UID:10005176-1768914000-1768917600@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Legal Hour
DESCRIPTION:Legal Hour Tuesday 20th January\, from 13:00 GMT (UK time) | Online \nLegal Hour is a new VAA session created to give artists clear\, practical answers to the legal questions they actually face in their working lives. \nMany artists feel unsure about their rights\, nervous about contracts\, or uncertain what to do when something goes wrong\, such as a late payment\, an unclear agreement\, or someone copying their work. This first Legal Hour session creates a safe\, informal space where artists can ask those questions and receive plain-English guidance from an experienced arts lawyer. \nThe session will welcome Pierre Valentin and guided by the questions you bring. There is no such thing as a silly question\, and the focus is on clarity\, reassurance and practical next steps rather than legal jargon or complexity. \nArtists are invited to ask about topics such as: \nWhat to do if a gallery or client has not paid youWho owns copyright when you sell a commission or license your workWhat to check before signing a contract or agreementWhether you can reuse or resell your own work after a licensing dealWhat to do if someone copies your work onlineHow to handle disputes in a calm and constructive way \nThis session is designed specifically for visual artists working across different media and career stages\, whether you work independently\, through galleries\, on commission\, or digitally. \nThis first Legal Hour will help us shape future sessions based on the questions and needs that emerge. \nThe session will be recorded and a replay link will be shared with everyone who signs up. \nIf you would like to submit a question in advance\, please email events@visual-artists.org with the subject line Legal Hour Question. \nGuest Speaker\nPierre Valentin – Art Lawyer \nPierre is one of the most respected art lawyers practising today and a leading figure in art and cultural property law. With over 25 years of experience\, he has advised collectors\, galleries\, artists\, museums\, auction houses\, private banks\, and institutions across the UK\, Europe\, the USA\, the Middle East and Asia.Previously in-house counsel at Sotheby’s and later partner leading the Art & Cultural Property Law Group at Withers\, Pierre has acted on landmark cases relating to ownership\, authenticity\, art fraud\, and complex international transactions.He is also a trustee of the Artists’ Collecting Society\, a specialist in copyright and resale rights\, and an accredited mediator for the World Intellectual Property Organisation. Pierre is widely recognised as a “go-to lawyer” in the global art market\, praised for his expertise\, clarity and strategic approach. \nSession Lead\nLaura O’Hare – VAA Director \nLaura 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. \n  \nThis session is free and open to both VAA members and non-members.Booking is essential. If you experience any issues\, please contact events@visual-artists.org.
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/legal-hour/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Events,Member Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Legal-Hour-2-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T110029
CREATED:20251201T010030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T122351Z
UID:10005175-1768399200-1768402800@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Art Cafe: Kickstarting the Year & Setting Artistic Goals
DESCRIPTION:Art Café: Kickstarting the Year and Setting Artistic GoalsWednesday\, 14th January\, 2pm to 3pm (online)Free for VAA members and non-members – booking essential \nStart the new year with direction and purpose. In this Art Café session\, we will look at how artists can set clear\, achievable goals that support both their creative development and long-term professional growth. This conversation will offer practical guidance on planning your year\, staying motivated\, and building habits that nurture your artistic practice. \nJoin us as we explore effective approaches to structuring your ambitions\, maintaining momentum\, and creating a framework that allows your practice to flourish. \nGuest Speakers\nFrancesca Busca – ArtistFrancesca is an eco-artist whose practice sits at the intersection of art\, activism and environmental advocacy. Since 2017 she has pioneered a unique form of waste-based mosaic\, transforming discarded materials into intricate “trashure” artworks that highlight the urgency of rethinking our relationship with consumption and value. \nWorking exclusively with reclaimed waste\, she creates pieces that blend beauty with environmental commentary\, using each tessera as a protest against disposable culture. Her work is driven by a belief in art as a universal language capable of inspiring empathy\, systemic change and cross-community collaboration. Through her approach\, Francesca challenges traditional artistic and economic models\, presenting sustainability not just as a theme but as a lived\, holistic practice. \nWebsite | Instagram  \nRebecca J. White – ArtistRebecca is an American painter whose work merges 25 years of dedicated studio practice with visual motifs inspired by electronic circuitry. Her compositions explore how physical and unseen connections shape shared culture\, technology and human experience. \nOriginally trained in ceramics\, Rebecca discovered her lifelong commitment to painting while living in Kyoto\, a period that deeply influenced her aesthetic sensibility. She later completed MFA training at the Tokyo University of the Arts and has since continued to develop her practice across Japan and Italy. Drawing on this international background\, her work weaves together cultural references\, technical precision and a nuanced understanding of visual systems. \nWebsite | Instagram  \nShirley-Ann O’Neill Shirley-Ann is the founder of the VAA and a director with over two decades of experience supporting artists. She is the co-author of Good Art Does Not Sell Itself and Securing Representation\, and has curated exhibitions featured by major media outlets including BBC and Sky News. Shirley-Ann leads the VAA’s professional development programmes\, helping artists progress with confidence and clarity. \nLaura O’Hare Laura is a co-founder of the VAA and leads on artistic and business development. With extensive experience working with artists\, galleries and arts organisations\, she directs the Visual Art Open Prize and the Professional Artist Award. Her background as a solicitor informs her strategic approach in supporting artists to advance their careers. \nThis session is ideal for artists at any stage who want to begin the year with intention and build a strong foundation for their creative and professional progress. \nPlease ensure you book your place in advance. For any problems or questions\, just email us at events@visual-artists.org
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/art-cafe-kickstarting-the-year-setting-artistic-goals/
LOCATION:online
CATEGORIES:Art Cafe
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Art-Cafe-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T093000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T103000
DTSTAMP:20260404T110029
CREATED:20251201T104044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T205904Z
UID:10005174-1768383000-1768386600@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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\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 \n\n\n\n\n\n\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-session/
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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