Events Programme
We’re always adding new events, so be sure to check back here regularly. Members can sign up directly, and if you’re not a member yet, just click here to join.
We are keen to hear from you for feedback on the best times to schedule online events that fit to your schedules - so please do DM or email us with your preferences, because we want to ensure this programme is structured around YOU and your career development!
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR FIRST JOB
We’ll learn what makes an arts CV stand out, how to decode job descriptions and art world buzzwords, and how to spot whether a role fits your values and skillset
DO HO SUH: WALK THE HOUSE
What is a genesis exhibition? How do you put on an institutional show? Amandine Couot, Studio & Content Coordinatorfor Do Ho Suh Studio, will walk the house with us, sharing the practical steps from Do Ho’s initial vision to the completed installation.
Abu Dhabi Forecast
How is the UAE leveraging its ambition to be a cultural leader in the Global South? What benefits arise from the UAE’s position as a freeport and tax-friendly jurisdiction? Ahead of Abu Dhabi Art, join us as industry experts take the cultural pulse of the city.
NXT STEPS: FRIEZE SCULPTURE
NXT GEN and Creative Freedoms are teaming up for a peer-to-peer mentoring walk and talk at this year’s Frieze Sculpture, curated by Fatoş Üstek. This informal gathering is designed for emerging and self-employed art professionals to connect and exchange experiences all while enjoying fresh air and a must-see public art display.
HOW TO ASK AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THAT MATTER
We'll cover how to research salaries, decide what works for your life and finances and navigate conversations about salary expectations with clarity and ease.
RUNNING THE ONLY STUDENT-LED GALLERY IN THE UK
What’s it like to run a gallery at 20 years old? Eleanor Getting and Amelia Stallworthy speak to Alexandra about the ins and outs of running Norman Rea, the only student-run gallery in the UK. They talk about the positive impact it had on their careers, and what it means to gain professional experience early on.
AWITA MUMBAI FORECAST
Is Mumbai booming in the age of bust? Ahead of the city’s major art fair, Art Mumbai, join us as we unpack the characteristics of this economic and infrastructural efflorescence - and ask: if the market is expanding, then who are all the new collectors?
Join us to hear from industry experts as they share insights into Mumbai's art landscape.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER IN THE ARTS
August is usually a quieter month in the art world, making it a golden opportunity to regroup and prepare for the autumn season. Zara Doshi, Account Director at Pelham Communications, is best placed to share her tips on using this downtime strategically.
TAKE A BREATHER - SUMMER PARTY
Join us for an afternoon of good art, music and drinks at Palmer Gallery - a former factory turned gallery. Hear a live Founder’s Story chat and meet with fellow emerging art professionals.
ISTANBUL FORECAST
Is Istanbul’s art scene set for growth, or facing an uphill battle? What’s the mood on the ground and how are galleries adapting? Join AWITA members to hear from industry experts who will take the pulse of Istanbul’s art landscape ahead of Contemporary Istanbul.
NXT: AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ARTS
Join this Career Hub session to hear how Jess Foyle carved out her career as Head of Audience Development at leading international cultural communications agency Pelham.
NETWORK & CHILL: LEGAL EDITION
A no-jargon legal advice night for emerging art professionals hosted by Wedlake Bell. This is a rare opportunity to sit down and receive basically free legal advice — this kind of access and insight doesn't come along often.
VISIT TO LONDON GALLERY WEEKEND (EAST)
Join us for a gallery hop of East London spaces over London Gallery Weekend,
AWITA EVENT - BEDROCK: TRANSFORMATIVE CULTURAL LEADERSHIP IN THE NORTHWEST
AWITA EVENT - We are bringing together leading female voices in the Northwest of England to explore the dynamics between public and private sectors, innovative approaches to income generation, and the role of community in shaping sustainable cultural futures.
HOW TO INSTALL ART
Gregory Baker will share the techniques and thought-process behind safe, secure movement of artwork — from selecting the right tools to ensuring every piece is treated with respect and care.
NXT STEPS
We’ll meet and walk together along the river, exchanging stories and advice, ending up Somerset House for Photo London
NXT: FAIR DIRECTOR
What does it take to become an Art Fair Director? Join Sophie Parker, Fair Director of Photo London, as she shares how she rose from Gallery Development Manager in just six years.
NXT: HEAD OF PATRONS
Antonia Grosse will share the ins and outs of her as Global Head of Council and Patrons at Serpentine Galleries and what it takes to build meaningful relationships.
NXT STEPS
A morning walk getting your 10,000 steps and making meaningful professional connections. We’ll meet in a park and walk together in small groups, exchanging stories and advice.
A Starter's Toolkit to Media (4/4)
This is the last of a four-part beginner's guide to essential media skills that every arts professional should master as they begin their career
Creating a Headline-Worthy Press Release
A Starter's Toolkit to Media
This four-part series is a beginner's guide to essential media skills every arts professional should have as they embark on their career.
1. Principles of a Persuasive Pitch Monday 13th January
2. Nail Your Newsletter 3rd February
3. Inside the Podcast Studio 3rd March
4. Creating a Headline-Worthy Press Release 7th April
ART CAREER FAQS
NXT GEN launched with 150 emerging arts professionals learning from a panel who shared their experiences navigating the art world. Our key takeaways were:
Building a strong network of peers gives you support you can count on throughout your career.
Trying different roles and experiences helps you grow and approach situations with fresh perspectives.
And don’t forget — every mistake is just another opportunity to learn!
Speakers:
Aindrea Emelife (Curator, Modern and Contemporary at MOWAA) Aliyah Hasinah (Founder of Black Curatorial) Emma Restall (Consultant & Marketing Coordinator at DRAW Recruitment) Josef O’Connor (Founder of CIRCA) Moderated by Harriet Lloyd-Smith (Editor of Plaster magazine).
