Category Archives: COURSES

Support structures for fast-burning fuels💨

Support structures for fast-burning fuels💨

Two recent articles approach the same question from different directions: how artistic practice is sustained under unequal, extractive and exhausting conditions.

My article, How to Throw Your Own Party: Peer Mentoring as Infrastructure (download the PDF for the full article), grew out of my work as an Artist Advisor at Artquest and decades of conversations with artists. It argues that peer support is not secondary to artistic practice but part of the infrastructure that makes it possible, long before recognition and institutions come into view. Rather than waiting to be discovered, artists need to create the conditions their work requires themselves, together with others. Throwing your own party is not a stepping-stone to mainstream recognition; it’s a familiar pattern of artists building the conditions that institutions recognise retroactively.

I stumbled on the second article when I opened a newsletter and saw my 25-year-old face staring back at me from Despina Zefkili’s Fast-burning fuels: field notes on the cultural production in Athens, a critical essay about the contradictory economies of contemporary art. It identifies the pressure to adapt one’s work to funding agendas, institutional expectations and the constraints of project-based production, and argues that small-scale, self-organised formats can become structures of solidarity, self-determination and negotiation.

The essay begins with the 1990s collective Σώμα Πολιτικό (Body Politic), of which I was a member. We spoke out against an art system that felt alien to us, and were later recognised as forerunners of artist collectives in Greece. Zefkili uses the different trajectories of the group’s members to reflect on a longer history of cultural production: expectation, disappearance, endurance, compromise, class, gender, and the costs of sustaining an art practice. She pauses on my work in the EMST collection, placing it within the essay’s broader question of what remains visible, what disappears, and how histories are written or left unwritten.

We diagnose many of the same problems: the instability of institutional support, the amount of unpaid labour absorbed by applications and open calls, the pressure to package oneself strategically, the opacity of selection and funding processes, the dominance of personal relationships, and the exhaustion produced by chasing visibility through systems of support that are partial, conditional and extractive.

What struck me most, despite Zefkili’s call for institutions to do better, is the shared rejection of the fantasy that institutions will solve this for us. The two texts converge in arguing for collective infrastructures built from below: peer networks, self-organised platforms, small-scale structures and lasting relations of solidarity that don’t just mimic official institutions. Both recognise that such structures are fragile, partial and under-resourced, but necessary.

These questions continue to shape my work this spring and beyond. They come up in Making a Buck Without Selling Out, the six-week online course I developed with Cristiana Bottigella, co-director of hARTslane. We created this course for artists who want to build a sustainable practice on their own terms. Across six sessions and one-to-one tutorials, we look at voice and visibility, sustainability, opportunity and self-care, as overlapping pressures that shape an artist’s practice. We’ll work through artist statements, proposals, websites, funding strategies, opportunities, boundaries and longer-term direction in a small group setting.

🖍️ hARTslane presents: Making a Buck Without Selling Out 🧰
22 April – 27 May 2026, Wednesdays, 18:00–20:30
£280 / £240 / £200, Online

Alongside this, Art + Critique continues as an extended space for critical and contextual study in art practice. The course brings together lectures, seminars, workshops, writing, peer feedback and tutorials in order to think through contemporary art in relation to its histories, theories, contradictions and conditions of production. It is designed for those who want to develop a line of inquiry, deepen their critical framework, and situate their work within broader artistic, social and political debates.

🍒 Art + Critique: Critical & Contextual Studies in Art Practice 🚀
13 October 2026 – 2 March 2027, Tuesdays 18:30-20:30 BST/GMT+1
£400 / £490 / £580, Online with hybrid off-site visits

For alumni of Art + Critique, there are a couple of ways to continue beyond the course. One is the After-school Art Club, our monthly peer-support group and members’ club developed collectively by its members. It grew out of conversations about how to continue after the course, and how to create an ongoing structure for discussion, peer review, workshops, research and professional development.

The other is Pollinator, a free virtual five-week residency of mutual support. It brings together practitioners across art, culture, technology and social impact for weekly roundtable conversations and a peer-coaching process designed to build trust, exchange and longer-term relational networks. A few Art + Critique alumni joined the first round last autumn and came back very enthusiastic about the quality of the conversations and the generosity of the group. Art + Critique is part of Pollinator’s network, and alumni can join via my invitation. If you have not received your invitation please get in touch with me.

🐝 Pollinator, a virtual residency for Art + Critique alumni✏️
Enrolment open until 6 April for Art + Critique alumni

Finally, I offer tailored one-to-one support for artists, curators, writers and others working in the arts, whether you’re developing your practice, tackling a specific project, or seeking ongoing mentorship. Book a free 15-min introductory chat to explore how I might support you.

🧿 Consultations, tutorials and mentorship
Free 15-min chat. Sessions: 60min (£60), 90min (£85), 120min (£110)

See you on the waves 🌊

Support Structures 🧰🐝

🐝Support Structures 🧰

Pollinator deadline today, plus upcoming events and opportunities

Whether you’re enjoying a break, getting time in the studio, or enjoying summer in the city, I hope you’re finding space to recharge and reconnect with what matters to you.

Today is the final chance to sign up for the Pollinator virtual residency. Tomorrow, I’m facilitating a reading group in Jane McCabe’s open studio at Fanshaw Projects. And this autumn, I’m launching Making a Buck Without Selling Out – a new professional practice course, in collaboration with Cristiana Bottigella. Also below: Artquest One-to-ones in August, and two upcoming courses – Art + Critique and Curating Contemporary Art. Continue reading Support Structures 🧰🐝

📢👩🏾‍🏭 Artists’ Incomes Are in Freefall – Support the Campaign

📢👩🏾‍🏭 Artists’ Incomes Are in Freefall – Support the Campaign to Abolish the Minimum Income Floor

If you’re an artist, chances are you are also self-employed. You might have one or more PAYE jobs too, but what happens when your freelance income drops — or gets wiped out altogether?

Continue reading 📢👩🏾‍🏭 Artists’ Incomes Are in Freefall – Support the Campaign

Practice 🔧 Theory ⚡ Critique

Practice🔧Theory⚡Critique

Welcome back! I hope you feel recharged after a fantastic summer 🦜

Feverish preparations are underway for the upcoming Art+Critique course, which begins in a couple of weeks. The cohort is once again shaping up to be a fantastic group of artists and I’m bursting with anticipation Continue reading Practice 🔧 Theory ⚡ Critique

🥧 ‘More pie, more sky pls’*🚀

🥧 ‘More pie, more sky pls’*🚀

This year whizzed by, it’s been a while since I posted an update and there’s a bunch of news to share, so here goes! Continue reading 🥧 ‘More pie, more sky pls’*🚀

September Update 🏮🍂

September Update 🏮🍂

The days are getting shorter, the evenings are cooler, and we’ll be spending more time indoors. I usually dread this time of year, but I’m looking forward to getting a lot of work done. At least that’s the plan. Invariably, something always blows my plans out of the water; overcommitting, unexpected workloads or crises, and burn out. But I’m learning to pace myself and take time off. Working longer hours doesn’t necessarily mean getting more done, in fact if you’re tired or stuck it’s better to take a break or even a nap. Continue reading September Update 🏮🍂

Can You Hear Me?

Can You Hear Me?

Nalini Malani [2020] Can You Hear Me. Whitechapel Gallery, London. Screenshot of hybrid visit to the exhibition
Nalini Malani [2020] Can You Hear Me. Whitechapel Gallery, London. Screenshot of hybrid visit to the exhibition

In October 2020 we visited the exhibition Can You Hear Me by Nalini Malani at the Whitechapel Gallery with members of the Art+Critique Autumn 2020 cohort. This was our first hybrid off-site visit and everyone was asked to write a critical review of the exhibition. Any number of things could have gone wrong. Continue reading Can You Hear Me?

Consultations, tutorials and mentorship

Consultations, mentorship and tutorials

Consultations, tutorials and mentorship

Whether you’re developing your practice, tackling a specific project, or seeking ongoing mentorship, I provide tailored support for artists, curators, writers and others working in the arts, at any stage of their practice.

My approach is shaped by decades of teaching, organising and developing alternative and co-operative art education structures,  and informed by critical pedagogy and socially engaged practice, with attention to how class, access, language and institutional norms shape artistic trajectories. I aim to create a rigorous, critically engaged space for practitioners whose work or background may not sit comfortably within dominant frameworks.

What do the consultations offer?

Consultations are particularly useful if you are developing your practice or a new project, applying for a residency or course, preparing applications or academic writing, reaching a pivotal moment in your practice, grappling with contradictions, or seeking a critical framework to address your questions. I can assist with:

  • Developing your studio practice or preparing a portfolio
  • Articulating your practice and writing an artist’s statement
  • Writing proposals for exhibitions, residencies, funding applications and other open calls
  • Writing and reviewing essays, dissertations and other academic and creative writing formats
  • Promoting your art practice, finding opportunities and expanding your network
  • Building, expanding or reviewing your website, portfolio or online profile
  • Exhibition-making, curating, or working with galleries and curators/artists
  • Developing and managing a project, with workflow, timeline and budget
  • Conducting research, developing research questions and a literature review
  • Community organising, collaborations, collectives, peer mentoring and support for self-organised groups
  • Self-publishing, limited editions, selling work, commissions, collaborations and partnerships

Who is it for?

These sessions benefit socially engaged artists, performance and installation artists, video and sound artists, media and digital artists, sculptors, painters, print-makers, designers, artist educators, curators, writers, researchers and anyone who is pursuing a career in the arts.

My areas of expertise

Contemporary art, studio practice, sculpture and installation, film-making and time-based media, socially-engaged practice, art and politics, theory and history of art, critical and contextual studies, postgraduate studies, PhD research, alternative art education, peer mentoring, self-organisation, collaboration, collectives, co-operatives, solidarity economy, curating and exhibition making, project management and organisation, conferences, workshops, festivals, film screenings, self-publishing, professional practice and general careers advice.

Consultation formats

15 min Introductory ChatFree
To outline your current focus and explore how I might support you. We can clarify scope and identify the most appropriate session format.

60 min Focused Session — £60
Ideal for troubleshooting specific questions or planning a project, such as preparing an application. We can also use this session to explore your practice, identify priorities, and develop an action plan for ongoing mentorship.

90 min Working Session — £85
This extended session allows more time to think through complex questions, review work in depth, or connect different strands of your practice. Suited to application development, detailed discussion of writing, or mapping out a project with space for reflection and next steps.

120 min Intensive Session — £110
A deeper dive into your practice, writing, or project development. Together, we’ll unpack your ideas, review your practice or writing, and produce an action plan.

Booking

To request a consultation, complete the form below with your preferred format, availability and a brief outline of your focus.

Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your responses. I’ll review your submission and confirm the date, time and location of your consultation.

Fees and terms

  • Each session includes up to 1 hour of preparation and/or feedback.
  • Additional preparation, reading or review is charged at £35/hour (agreed in advance).
  • If the consultation fee is a barrier, please get in touch to discuss ways that we can make it more accessible for you.
  • Payment is by invoice issued after the session and payable within one month of the issue date.
Cancellation policy
  • To cancel or reschedule, please reply to your confirmation email.
  • Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance incur no charge.
  • Cancellations within 48 hours are subject to a £30 fee.
  • Non-attendance without notice is charged in full.

Booking form

If you have any questions please get in touch. I look forward to working with you and supporting your practice.

📌 Artquest 1-to-1 🍒 Art+Critique

📌 Artquest 1-to-1 🍒 Art+Critique Summer 2022

As we await the arrival of summer the pandemic appears to be at bay, but only by giving way to new fronts of crisis, disinformation, struggle and resistance. Artists have been particularly impacted in the last two years and still reeling as we emerge into the new dystopian normal, so you’re not alone. Book a free advice session with Artquest One to One to discuss your practice and plans for the future – new dates in late May and early June will be posted soon. Continue reading 📌 Artquest 1-to-1 🍒 Art+Critique

📢 Outpost Online & Art+Critique🍒🚀

📢 Outpost Online & Art+Critique 🍒🚀

It’s been a long hard slog but things are starting to look up with the easing of restrictions and a potential end in sight for Covid. In the meantime, if you’re feeling stuck or want to hatch some plans sign up for a free advice session with Artquest Outpost Online. Continue reading 📢 Outpost Online & Art+Critique🍒🚀

Reader

Reader, further reading & resources

Art + Critique: Critical & Contextual Studies in Art Practice

The reader texts are organised chronologically for each lecture/seminar or workshop, and are available for download via the links below. Further reading and resources are not required reading/viewing; they are intended as a supplement to the reader and to support further research.

  • Allow 1-2 hours to familiarise yourself with the set reading in preparation for each seminar
  • Make notes of questions and comments that you want to address
  • Please make sure you have access to the set texts in print or on screen during sessions
  • In some cases you are requested to read an excerpt (note the page numbers)
  • Page numbers are the ones printed on the pages, not those displayed in your PDF reader

21 Oct    2. CREATIVE PRACTICE: PRACTICE & THEORY WORKSHOP

  • Duchamp, Marcel (1975/1957). The Creative Act. In The Essential Writings of Marcel Duchamp. London: Thames & Hudson, pp. 138-140. AUDIO

Further reading & resources

28 Oct    3. LECTURE 1. THE CRITICAL FUNCTION OF ART

Further reading & resources

4 Nov     4. LECTURE 2.1 THE POLITICS OF ART

Further reading & resources

11 Nov    5. LECTURE 2.2 POLITICS & THE INSTITUTION OF ART

Further reading & resources

15 Nov    6. OFF-SITE VISITS & EXHIBITION REVIEWS

Further reading & resources

18 Nov    7. GROUP TUTORIALS & STUDIO BRIEF

Further reading & resources

2 Dec     9. WRITING WORKSHOP: EXHIBITION REVIEWS

Further reading & resources

13 Jan    10. LECTURE 3. SPECTACLE & THE EVERYDAY

Further reading & resources

20 Jan    11. RESEARCH: PRACTICE & THEORY WORKSHOP

Further reading & resources

27 Jan    12. LECTURE 4. THE ABJECT, IDENTITY & PROCESS

Further reading & resources

17 Feb    15. LECTURE 5. PARTICIPATION, DIALOGUE & THE GIFT ECONOMY

Further reading & resources

🍒 New course: Art + Critique 🚀

🍒 New course: Art + Critique 🚀

Very excited to launch a new course! It combines almost a year’s worth of critical studies lectures and seminars, group tutorials and workshops into one term so it’s going to be pretty intense. Designed during the transition from lockdown to whatever it is we have now, it tries to make up for some of the community, context, interaction, challenge, motivation, freedom and future horizons that we lost in the last six months.

Continue reading 🍒 New course: Art + Critique 🚀

CRITICAL STUDIES BIBLIOGRAPHY

CRITICAL STUDIES BIBLIOGRAPHY

A comprehensive bibliography for the Art + Critique lecture and seminar series. You can use it as a further reading list or to locate references that are not in the handouts, reader or further reading and resources. Please click the headings for a drop-down list.

Continue reading CRITICAL STUDIES BIBLIOGRAPHY

Art + Critique: Critical & Contextual Studies in Art Practice

art+critique 2024 featured image, cropped image of a black and white studio in the foreground with large windows, outside is an urban landscape with a pink and blue sky, the pink of the sky is reflected in the the studioArt + Critique

CRITICAL & CONTEXTUAL STUDIES IN ART PRACTICE: ONLINE COURSE

Studio practice and critical studies course that integrates practice and theory in a comprehensive programme of lectures, seminars, workshops, off-site visits, tutorials, assignments, feedback and peer support.

The curriculum fosters experimentation and collaborative study in a community of peers. It provides a supportive environment where participants will extend their knowledge of critical theories and discourses, develop their ability to discuss, write about and judge contemporary art, and contextualise their own practice.

Continue reading Art + Critique: Critical & Contextual Studies in Art Practice

The Trickle-Down Syndrome

The Trickle-Down Syndrome

Benedict Drew [2017] The Trickle-Down Syndrome. Installation view. Whitechapel Gallery, London. Photo Sophia Kosmaoglou.
Benedict Drew [2017] The Trickle-Down Syndrome. Installation view. Whitechapel Gallery, London. Photo Sophia Kosmaoglou.

We visited Benedict Drew‘s exhibition The Trickle-Down Syndrome at the Whitechapel Gallery with students on the Critical Theory in Contemporary Art Practice course. The exhibition was a sprawling interconnected array of objects, banners, screens, cables and digital components. What is the Trickle-Down Syndrome? How does it relate to the infamous laissez faire economic theory? What are the throbbing fleshy forms and knobbly knotted represented in videos, banners and roughly-hewn objects? Continue reading The Trickle-Down Syndrome

Critical Theory in Contemporary Art Practice

critical theory in contemporary art practice_banner

Critical Theory in Contemporary Art Practice

This course maps the theories and discourses that inform the production and reception of contemporary art, providing a supportive environment to develop your practice and articulate your ideas on the production, exhibition and interpretation of art.

Continue reading Critical Theory in Contemporary Art Practice