The Art Ladder Programme
The Art Ladder is an ongoing mentoring programme for artists. Every month, gain new insights to navigate the art world and reach the next step in your career. See the upcoming programme, and available recordings, below ⬇️
Level 1: Watch monthly webinars with art professionals, including gallerists, curators, collectors, and critics. Gain valuable experience and advice from recognised figures in the contemporary at world. Join here.
Level 2: Get step-by-step guidance from our team, sharing our 30+ years of experience and answering your questions in surgery sessions about collectors, galleries, funding, pricing, marketing and more. Join here.
Level 3: Receive personalised mentoring. Benefit from monthly webinars with art professionals and surgery sessions with our team, plus two one-to-one sessions annually. Join here.
Scroll down to explore The Art Ladder's programme. Upcoming events will be available to watch live on Zoom or later on recording. Past events are accessible to watch on replay.
Upcoming
Alison Bevan
Tuesday 7 May, 5pm.
Discover the secrets to success in the art world with Alison Bevan, Director of the renowned RWA (Royal West of England Academy) in Bristol.
With a wealth of experience spanning her entire career in public art galleries, Alison has curated exhibitions, presented work from artists at all stages of their careers, and secured funding for projects and shows. Under her leadership, the RWA has become one of Bristol's most beloved cultural institutions, offering enriching creative engagement to diverse communities.
Join us as Alison shares her expertise on navigating the art world, curating exhibitions, and fostering artistic growth. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from a true leader in the field. Available for all artists eager to unlock new opportunities in their artistic journey.
Join Level 1 or above to gain enriching insights from an art writer and curator.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
Jack Bullen &
Lizzie Glendinning
Tuesday 4 June, 5pm.
Join Jack Bullen and Lizzie Glendinning, Co-Founders of Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, in this upcoming session.
As Director and Co-Founder, Jack brings expertise as both a painter and printmaker, dedicated to educating collectors on printmaking processes. Lizzie, with over 15 years in curating, directs the fair to offer accessible art engagement.
Join Level 1 or above to gain Jack and Lizzie's invaluable insights, experiences, and vision for the future of contemporary printmaking.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
Kathleen Soriano
Monday 1 July, 5pm.
Hear from Kathleen Soriano, curator, strategic consultant, and broadcaster.
As Chair of the Liverpool Biennial and ArtUK, Kathleen's illustrious career spans over 35 years, encompassing roles at institutions such as National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts. With a wealth of experience in curating exhibitions and shaping public programs, Kathleen's expertise is unparalleled.
Join us for this session where Kathleen shares insights gleaned from her extensive career.
Join Level 1 or above to tap into her knowledge.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
Past Recordings
Get Gallery Ready
Wednesday 17 April, 5pm.
Join us for a free workshop where we'll unveil the key insights you need to navigate the world of commercial galleries.
In this 1-hour session, you'll gain invaluable knowledge on approaching galleries, creating a standout portfolio, and increasing your visibility as an artist. Learn proven strategies to identify the right galleries for your work and understand what curators are seeking.
Don't miss this opportunity to get practical tips and a step-by-step process to save time and boost your confidence. Watch live on Zoom on Wednesday, 17th April at 5pm UK time, or catch the replay until 30th April. Free for everyone—simply sign up and take your first step towards gallery success!
Free 1 hour Workshop.
Writing Funding Applications
Tuesday 16 April, 5pm.
Join us for an essential session on mastering the skills and techniques of writing funding applications.
Learn how to write proposals, effectively communicate your ideas and budget in a way that resonates with funding organisations.
Gain invaluable insights into structuring your applications, addressing selection criteria, and maximising your chances of success.
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your funding applications. Join Level 2 or above to watch this session.
Surgery Session - Level 2 and 3.
Paul Carey-Kent
Tuesday 9 April, 5pm.
Hear from a versatile art writer, curator, and member of the International Association of Art Critics, Paul Carey-Kent.
As the Visual Arts Editor of Seisma Magazine, Paul uniquely merges art with science, offering unparalleled perspectives.
His contributions to art publications including Art Monthly, FAD and Artlyst, showcase his depth of insight into contemporary art. He has also curated over 50 exhibitions.
Join Level 1 or above to gain enriching insights from an art writer and curator.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
Reviewing Artists' Statements
Tuesday 12 March, 5pm.
Writing about art is far from being easy... But it's an essential skill to have if you want your work to be seen by the right people.
Join us for an interactive session where we dive into the art of crafting compelling artists' statements and "about" pages for your website.
Receive invaluable feedback from art professionals to ensure your online presence makes a great first impression.
Don't miss this opportunity to get an expert's pair of eyes on your website and showcase your work with confidence. Join Level 2 or above to watch this session.
Surgery Session - Level 2 and 3.
Jon Sharples
Tuesday 5 March, 5pm.
Unlock the secrets of protecting your creative work with Jon Sharples, a respected intellectual property and commercial art lawyer.
A leading advocate for artists' rights in the UK, Jon will share his expertise on navigating the complex legal landscape of the art world.
From safeguarding your intellectual property to negotiating commercial contracts, Jon's insights are invaluable for artists at all stages of their careers.
Discover practical strategies for safeguarding your art, and ensuring your rights are protected in the ever-evolving art world.
Join Level 1 or above to gain valuable insights from an intellectual property specialist.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
Writing About Your Work
Wednesday 7 February, 5pm.
If you find it difficult to put your art into words, this transformative session will help you write about your work with less effort and more ease.
Learn what to include on your website, email newsletters and social media so they resonate with your audience, buyers and curators.
Gain time-saving tips and discover how tools like ChatGPT can make writing a lot faster. Don't miss this opportunity to open a door into your work. Join Level 2 or above to watch on replay.
Surgery Session - Level 2 and 3.
Sid Motion
Thursday 18 January, 5pm
Hear a young gallery owner's point of view with Sid Motion, Director of Sid Motion Gallery.
With a wealth of experience gained from prestigious galleries like Max Wigram and David Zwirner, Sid Motion brings a fresh perspective to the art scene.
Since she established her gallery in 2016, she has curated over 50 exhibitions, showcasing emerging talents and organising an annual art trail to foster the artistic community around her.
Join Level 1 or above to gain valuable insights from a gallerist.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
Cynthia Corbett
Wednesday 20 December, 5pm
Delve into the international art market with Cynthia Corbett, esteemed American art historian and curator.
Cynthia founded the renowned Cynthia Corbett Gallery in London since 2004, and brings a wealth of experience in representing emerging and established contemporary artists.
Her gallery hosts a diverse annual exhibition programme, and the artists she represents have gained recognition globally, with their works published and acquired by major museums, institutions, and private collections. Join Level 1 or above to gain valuable insights from the commercial art world.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
Pricing Your Art
Wednesday 13 September, 5pm.
Are you struggling which pricing your work? This can be a complex topic for many artists, especially if you want to reach different audiences - from first-time buyers to long-term collectors - or work with commercial galleries.
Learn expert pricing strategies, including how to set prices, when to increase them, and how to effectively communicate with buyers. Don't miss this opportunity to grow your skills and confidence, join Level 2 or above to watch.
Surgery Session - Level 2 and 3.
Liz Gilmore,
Director, Hastings Contemporary
Thursday 7 September, 5pm.
Hear from a seasoned art professional with a career across museums, public galleries, and arts funding.
Starting as Education Officer at the National Gallery, Liz Gilmore fostered engagement with diverse audiences. Then, as Head of Visual Arts for the Arts Council, she managed projects and supported organisations in the South East.
Today, as Director of Hastings Contemporary, Liz Gilmore shapes the museum's curatorial vision, and helps foster a thriving local arts community. Join us on Level 1 or above to learn from her experience.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
Reviewing Artists' Websites
Thursday 24 August, 5pm.
Explore artists' websites across various media and styles, get practical examples, and gain actionable insights into building an impactful online presence for your practice.
Learn how to show your art in its best light by making your website easy to navigate, user-friendly, and cohesive.
Is your website appealing to buyers, gallerists and curators? Join Level 2 or above to find out.
Surgery Session - Level 2 and 3.
Tabish Khan,
London Art Critic
Thursday 7 August, 5pm.
How can you get art critics to review your work? Tabish Khan, also known as the London Art Critic, answers artists' burning questions.
Tabish reviews hundreds of exhibitions - from emerging art to blockbusters - for Londonist, FAD Magazine and Culture Whisper.
Learn how to attract journalists' attention, maximise coverage for your exhibitions, craft effective emails, and more. Join Level 1 or above to watch on replay.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
How to curate your website
Thursday 27 July, 5pm.
Discover the key components of a successful artist's website, from the home page to the contact form, available work, newsletter, and more.
Understand what different audiences want to see on your website, including potential buyers, collectors, galleries, and art professionals.
Learn to showcase your work in its best light, curate your website effectively, and craft an engaging online presence. Join Level 2 or above to watch on replay.
Surgery Session - Level 2 and 3.
Free Social Media Masterclass
Thursday 20 July, 5pm.
This free masterclass answers your most frequently asked questions about using social media as an artist.
Learn how to show and sell your art online, reach your target audience, and leverage the power of social media while preserving your studio time.
Discover proven strategies to enhance your online presence, for artists of all levels. Beginners and technophobes, this masterclass is for you too!
Free to watch on replay.
Caitlin Heffernan & Jon Tutton,
Art Fair Organisers
Monday 17 July, 5pm.
Learn how to prepare a successful open studio and curate your next art fair booth. Hear all the dos and don'ts from two experts.
Caitlin Heffernan, Programme Manager for Surrey Artist Open Studios, orchestrates a large summer event showcasing artists' work, and engaging visitors with demonstrations and workshops across Surrey.
Jon Tutton, co-founder of Tutton & Young, organises acclaimed art and craft events such as Brighton Art Fair and Made London, offering a platform for artists and makers in the UK and worldwide.
Join Level 1 or above to discover how to prepare for a memorable open studio or art fair.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
How to fund your practice
Tuesday 27 June, 5pm.
Discover new ways of funding your artistic practice. This session will demystify the funding landscape, exploring various sources you can tap into, from public grants to corporate sponsorship.
Discover 7 types of funding available to artists, including commissions to create new work, local funds, donations, research grants and many more.
Worried about budgeting? Don't be! We'll guide you through creating balanced budgets for your exhibitions, without drowning in financial jargon.
Join Level 2 or above to watch on replay and learn how to access new funding streams.
Surgery Session - Level 2 and 3.
Auriel Majumdar,
Creative Coach and Educator
Monday 17 June, 5pm.
Feeling creatively stuck or battling impostor syndrome? Watch our webinar with Auriel Majumdar, Creative Coach, and discover strategies to preserve your creativity.
Learn how to make time and mental space for your studio practice amidst life's demands. Gain tips on time management, finding your artistic voice, and overcoming perfectionism and overwhelm.
These insights could be just what you need to hear in order to move forward with your artistic journey... Join Level 1 or above to get started.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
How organise your own exhibitions
Tuesday 27 May, 5pm.
Learn the ins and outs of organising your own exhibitions. From choosing a venue and setting a date to balancing your budget and orchestrating a busy private view, this step-by-step guide will easily take you through all stages of exhibition planning.
Whether it's a solo or group exhibition, this session will equip you with a practical checklist, from creating a new body of work to curating a successful show.
A well-executed exhibition begins with effective planning. Watch our session and get a 10-page checklist by joining Level 2 or above.
Surgery Session - Level 2 and 3.
Lizzie Collins,
Founding Director, Zuleika Gallery
Thursday 18 May, 5pm.
In this webinar, Lizzie Collins, Founding Director of Zuleika Gallery, answers your burning questions and helps you navigate the artist-dealer partnership...
What makes your portfolio attractive to a gallery? How do gallerists discover new creatives to work with? How can artists build a successful relationship with a gallery?
With a background in auction houses, Lizzie founded Zuleika Gallery in 2015 to showcase Modern British and emerging contemporary art.
Discover her advice to make your work appealing to galleries like hers. Join Level 1 or above to watch now.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
Sandra Higgins,
Curator and Art Advisor
Tuesday 25 April, 5pm.
Gain decades' of art world insights from Sandra Higgins, curator and advisor based in Bath.
Sandra has worked in the art business for many years, first in her hometown of Chicago, then in the UK as an art curator and gallery owner.
Sandra’s curatorial roles have taken her across the globe. She has a valuable network of galleries, museums and artists with whom she actively collaborates.
Hear her in-depth understanding of market trends, and understand how to navigate the commercial art world. Join Level 1 or above to tap into her knowledge.
Webinar - Level 1, 2 and 3.
How to work with galleries
Monday 17 April, 5pm.
For artists seeking gallery representation, this session unravels the workings of commercial galleries, providing clear insights into what they look for.
From researching to approaching and establishing relationships with galleries, we cover it all. Discover how to make your work stand out and attract the right gallery's attention.
Don't miss out on the 1-hour session recording and downloadable 12-page workbook. Join Level 2 or above to access these resources now.
Surgery Session - Level 2 and 3.
