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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T140000
DTSTAMP:20260925T114241Z
CREATED:20260902T144526Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T114241Z
UID:10005253-1791637200-1791640800@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Building an Art Career: Lessons from Working Artists
DESCRIPTION:As part of the Visual Art Open (VAO) exhibition\, join us for an honest and inspiring panel discussion exploring what it really takes to build a successful career as an artist. \nHear directly from established and working artists as they share their personal journeys\, from finding opportunities and developing a practice to navigating challenges\, building an audience and sustaining a creative career over the long term. \nThe panel will offer practical insights\, real-world experiences and valuable lessons for those at the beginning of their artistic journey\, while highlighting the different paths a career in the arts can take. \nSpeakers \nHelga Stenzel | International artist \nHelga Stentzel is a London-based visual artist known for finding characters in the most ordinary things. Working with clothing\, food and everyday objects\, she creates playful images and installations that invite us to look twice at the world around us. Her work has been exhibited internationally and featured in publications including The New York Times\, The Guardian and The Colossal. \nMatilde Tariello | Events and Sponsorships Coordinator\, VAA \nMatilde brings over seven years of experience across the international art market\, including roles with leading platforms such as Artsy\, where she managed relationships with over 300 galleries and advised on artist development\, presentation and market strategy. Alongside her industry roles\, Matilde is a guest lecturer and mentor\, supporting emerging artists and students in refining their portfolios and professional practice. She brings a practical\, market-informed perspective to the opportunities available within the contemporary art world. \nDylan Lisle | Artist & VAO 2026 Painting Finalist \nDylan Lisle is a UK figurative painter based in Manchester. Working primarily in traditional oil painting\, his work explores folklore\, cultural memory\, morality and our changing relationship with technology and the world around us. Drawing on old-master techniques\, Lisle creates contemporary narratives that sit somewhere between the familiar and the otherworldly. is a UK figurative painter based in Manchester. Working primarily in traditional oil painting\, his work explores folklore\, cultural memory\, morality and our changing relationship with technology and the world around us. Drawing on old-master techniques\, Lisle creates contemporary narratives that sit somewhere between the familiar and the otherworldly. \nWhether you’re an emerging artist\, student\, early-career creative or VAA Member\, this is an opportunity to hear candid perspectives from artists who have navigated the realities of making a career in the contemporary art world. \nCome with your questions\, hear the stories behind the careers\, and leave with practical advice and inspiration for your own creative journey. \nSaturday 10 October | 1–2pm\nThe Minster Building\, London
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/building-an-art-career-lessons-from-working-artists/
LOCATION:The Minster Building\, 21 Mincing Lane\, London\, EC3R 7AG\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Building-an-Art-Career-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T170000
DTSTAMP:20260909T125250Z
CREATED:20260903T105921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T125250Z
UID:10005255-1791622800-1791651600@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Visual Art Open 2026 – Weekend Exhibition & Artist Events
DESCRIPTION:Visual Art Open 2026 – Weekend Exhibition & Artist Events\nJoin us this weekend for the Visual Art Open 2026 exhibition\, celebrating an exciting selection of contemporary artists and showcasing the diverse talent represented across this year’s competition. \nCome along to explore the exhibition\, discover new artists\, meet fellow creatives and art lovers\, and enjoy a weekend of inspiring events focused on developing your career and connecting with the wider art community. \nWeekend Programme\nOpening Hours: 11am-5pm \nExhibition – Free Entry\nVisit the exhibition throughout the weekend and experience the work of this year’s selected artists. Whether you’re an artist\, collector\, art professional or simply passionate about contemporary art\, everyone is welcome. \nThe exhibition runs from Thursday 8th-Sunday 11th October\, with a programme of talks and artist-led activities throughout the weekend: \nThursday 8th October \n\n18:00-20:30 | Private View & Winners Announcement\n\nWeekdend Ticket | Friday 9th October – Sunday 11th October \nFriday 9th October | Open to the Public 11:00-17:00 \n\n11:00-12:00 | The Power of Patronage: Supporting the Future of Contemporary Art\n12:30-13:30 | Curatorial Walkthrough\n\nSaturday 10th October | Open to the Public 11:00-17:00 \n\n13:00-14:00 | Building an Art Career: Lessons from Working Artists\n\nSunday 11th October | Open to the Public 11:00-13:00 \nYou can find the full event details and book for individual events here on the above links. \nImportant: Book Separately for the weekend activities\nThe exhibition is free to attend\, but spaces for the talk and networking session must be booked separately. \nPlease make sure you reserve your place for each event you would like to attend. \nBook your free weekend exhibition ticket and join us for a weekend celebrating art\, artists and creative connections. \nFind out more and book through the link
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/visual-art-open-2026-weekend-exhibition-artist-events/
LOCATION:The Minster Building\, 21 Mincing Lane\, London\, EC3R 7AG\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-03-at-11.56.32.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T143000
DTSTAMP:20260916T103653Z
CREATED:20260909T161837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T103653Z
UID:10005257-1791552600-1791556200@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:VAO x FOLLOW.ART — Networking Event
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a relaxed networking evening as part of the VAO x FOLLOW.ART programme\, bringing together artists\, curators\, collectors\, arts professionals and those interested in the future of contemporary art. \nThis is an informal opportunity to meet new people\, exchange ideas and connect with others working across the visual arts. Whether you’re looking to build new relationships\, discover different perspectives or simply enjoy a conversation about art\, everyone is welcome. \nVAA staff will also be on site\, offering an opportunity to meet the team\, ask questions and learn more about the work of the Visual Artists Association. \nWhat to Expect\n\nMeet the people shaping contemporary art — Connect with artists\, curators\, collectors and arts professionals from across the sector.\nMake meaningful connections — An informal space to expand your network\, share ideas and discover potential collaborations.\nExplore new ways to support artists — Hear different perspectives on how audiences\, organisations and individuals can engage more actively with the visual arts.\nChat with VAA & FOLLOW.ART — Meet members of both teams\, ask questions and find out more about their work and opportunities for artists and arts professionals.\n\nSpeakers & Hosts\nEvelīna Gorbačova — Head of Digital Development\, FOLLOW.ART\nEvelīna guides digital products for artists and arts professionals at FOLLOW.ART. With a background spanning traditional art institutions\, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Rothko Museum\, alongside experience in technology\, she is interested in creative tech\, new ways of supporting artists and engaging the public with contemporary art. \nVeronika Gorbačova — Head of Curatorial Collaboration\, FOLLOW.ART \nVeronika leads the curatorial department at FOLLOW.ART\, running curatorial roundtables\, developing institutional partnerships and organising on-site events for artists and curators. Her work focuses on exploring different support mechanisms for visual art professionals\, bringing wider audiences into contemporary art and encouraging them to become more active supporters of the people and practices behind it. \nVAA Staff\nMembers of the Visual Artists Association team will also be on site throughout the event\, providing an opportunity to meet the team and connect with the organisation. \nAmy Quinn – Programmes & Marketing Coordinator \n\nAmy Quinn\, Marketing and Awards Assistant at the VAA\, is an award-winning artist from the North West. Holding a First-Class Honours degree in Three-Dimensional Design\, she has exhibited her work nationally and collaborated with organisations including the Festival of Making\, Escape2Make\, and Patagonia. With experience as an arts educator and her involvement with Northern Design Festival\, she brings a passion for art\, design\, and marketing. \n\nSarah Birkenhead – Digital Marketing Executive \n\nSarah is a Digital Marketing Executive at the VAA\, having first joined the organisation as an intern before progressing into her current role. With a degree in Business Management from the University of Chester\, specialising in Marketing and Entrepreneurship\, she is passionate about connecting people through creative and strategic marketing. Sarah brings over 10 years of experience in content creation\, digital campaigns\, and audience growth across sectors including beauty\, hospitality\, travel\, and tattooing. Recently recognised as 1st Runner-Up for Intern of the Year at the University’s Career and Employability Awards\, she combines her enthusiasm for marketing and the arts to help grow the VAA community and support artists at every stage of their careers. \n\nMatilde Tariello – Events and Sponsorships Coordinator  \nMatilde brings over seven years of experience across the international art market\, including roles with leading platforms such as Artsy\, where she managed relationships with over 300 galleries and advised on artist development\, presentation\, and market strategy. Alongside her industry roles\, Matilde is a guest lecturer and mentor\, supporting emerging artists and students in refining their portfolios and professional practice. She brings a practical\, market-informed perspective to portfolio reviews\, helping creatives strengthen their artistic identity and navigate opportunities within the contemporary art world. \nFriday\, 10 October\nTime: 1\,30-2\,30 pm \nThe Minster Building
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/vao-x-follow-art-networking-event/
LOCATION:The Minster Building\, 21 Mincing Lane\, London\, EC3R 7AG\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/VAO-X-FOLLOW.ART-Casual-Networking.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T133000
DTSTAMP:20260902T143709Z
CREATED:20260902T143410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T143709Z
UID:10005252-1791549000-1791552600@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Curatorial Walkthrough: Visual Art Open
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special Curatorial Walkthrough of the Visual Art Open (VAO) exhibition\, offering an opportunity to discover the ideas\, practices and stories behind this year’s selection of contemporary artists. \nLed through the exhibition by the curator\, the walkthrough will explore a selection of works from the VAO finalists\, providing insight into the curatorial approach\, the themes emerging across the exhibition and the diverse practices represented. \nWith 40 finalists across six categories\, the exhibition brings together an exciting range of contemporary painting\, mixed media\, printmaking\, illustration\, drawing\, sculpture\, photography\, digital art and more. \nWhether you’re an artist\, collector\, curator\, art professional or simply interested in discovering new contemporary voices\, this walkthrough offers a chance to look beyond the individual works and gain a deeper understanding of the exhibition as a whole. \n12:30pm\nThe Minster Building\nThursday 9 October \nCome and explore the VAO exhibition through a curatorial lens\, meet fellow art enthusiasts and discover the artists shaping today’s contemporary art landscape.
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/curatorial-walkthrough-visual-art-open/
LOCATION:The Minster Building\, 21 Mincing Lane\, London\, EC3R 7AG\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-02-at-15.36.35.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T120000
DTSTAMP:20260918T151701Z
CREATED:20260902T142756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T151701Z
UID:10005251-1791543600-1791547200@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:The Power of Patronage: Supporting the Future of Contemporary Art
DESCRIPTION:What does it take to build a thriving future for contemporary art? \nAs part of the VAO exhibition at The Minster Building\, join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the power of patronage and the vital role it plays in shaping the future of contemporary art. \nBringing together perspectives from across the art world\, the conversation will explore how collectors\, patrons\, organisations and businesses can support artists\, create opportunities and contribute to a dynamic and sustainable contemporary art ecosystem. \nWhat We’ll Explore\n\nThe power of patronage — How meaningful support can shape artists’ careers and influence the cultural conversations of tomorrow.\nFrom attention to action — How engagement with art can translate into tangible support\, from collecting to accessible forms of micro-patronage.\nBuilding meaningful connections — The role of art advisors\, galleries\, businesses and organisations in connecting artists with new audiences and opportunities.\nShaping the future together — How collectors\, patrons and art-world professionals can work collectively to create a more accessible\, inclusive and thriving contemporary art landscape.\n\nSpeakers\nEvelīna Gorbačova — Head of Digital Development FOLLOW.ART\nEvelīna brings a perspective focused on turning attention into tangible support for artists. Drawing on FOLLOW.ART’s model of micro-patronage\, she will explore how small\, immediate contributions made at the moment someone encounters an artwork can become the first step towards a longer-term relationship between an artist and their audience. \nDaniela Bianco — Art Advisor & Founder\, The Blonde Art Dealer\nDaniela Bianco is an art advisor with over 17 years of experience in fine art sales and collection management\, specialising in pop art prints and contemporary artworks. She has worked with Artsy Private Sales and galleries across Milan\, London and Brussels\, and curates online exhibitions and content through her blog\, The Blonde Art Dealer\, and podcast\, Secrets of the Art Business. Daniela’s mission is to connect art lovers with artists while making the art world more transparent\, accessible and inclusive. \nTabish Khan — Art Critic\, Writer & Curator\nTabish Khan is a leading art critic and curator\, bringing extensive experience and insight into the contemporary art landscape. He will contribute to the conversation around the forces shaping the art world today and the role that different audiences and institutions can play in supporting its future. \nDate\, Time & Location\nFriday 9th October | 11:00am–12:00pm\nThe Minster Building\, 21 Mincing Lane\, London\, EC3R 7AG
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/the-power-of-patronage-supporting-the-future-of-contemporary-art/
LOCATION:The Minster Building\, 21 Mincing Lane\, London\, EC3R 7AG\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/The-Power-of-Patronage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261008T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261008T203000
DTSTAMP:20260918T140057Z
CREATED:20260902T114154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T140057Z
UID:10005250-1791482400-1791491400@visual-artists.org
SUMMARY:Visual Art Open Finalists Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:The Visual Art Open (VAO) 2026 Finalist Exhibition\, one of the UK’s leading platforms for contemporary art\, marks its 10th Anniversary this year with a spectacular showcase at the iconic Minster Building\, London\, from 8th–11th October 2026. \nSince its founding\, the VAO prize has championed emerging and established talent from across the globe\, offering artists the chance to gain recognition and career-defining opportunities. \nThe exhibition launches on Thursday\, 8th October\, with an exclusive VIP Preview Night from 6–8\,30 pm\, where the overall winner and category winners will be revealed. Guests will experience the finalists’ work in the Minster Building’s breathtaking setting\, a City of London landmark admired for its vast glass atrium\, Art Deco-inspired interiors\, and reputation as a hub for creativity. \nThe exhibition continues throughout the weekend and is open to the public on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October from 11am–5pm\, and Sunday 11th October from 11am–1pm. \nThe showcase features 30 finalist works across six key categories: Painting & Mixed Media & Printmaking\, Illustration & Drawing\, Sculpture\, Photography / Digital Art\, Student Artist\, and the Art Educators Award. \nAcross the weekend\, visitors will also have the opportunity to meet participating artists\, take part in artist meetups\, and enjoy a curated show round with Karen van Hoey Smith.
URL:https://visual-artists.org/event/visual-art-open-finalists-exhibition/
LOCATION:The Minster Building\, 21 Mincing Lane\, London\, EC3R 7AG\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visual-artists.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-02-at-12.39.52.png
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