New Contemporaries 1949 to Now

Symposium chaired by Patricia Bickers (Editor, Art Monthly) and Iwona Blazwick (Director, Whitechapel Gallery). Speakers include the artists Basil Beattie, Matt Copson, Neil Cummings, Dexter Dalwood, Bruce Lacey, Yelena Popova, Bob & Roberta Smith and Jane & Louise Wilson, alongside industry experts Sarah Philp, Head of Programmes at the Art Fund, and Hugo Worthy, Leicester Arts and Museums Service.

New Contemporaries and the Art Fund present a symposium bringing together New Contemporary alumni artists with writers and curators to address the challenges facing emerging artists working in the UK today. Panels present an informed survey of how an artist’s practice is developed, defined and cared for today, with speakers discussing the contemporary state of education, the market and art collections, alongside the issue of how to support practice.

The symposium runs 11.15am-4pm.

Programme

11.15am Introduction

11.20am Study: Patricia Bickers (Chair), Bob & Roberta Smith, Basil Beattie

Over the last 5 years a number of alternative modes of study have emerged in the UK. What questions do these new models pose existing arts education provision?

12pm Support: Patricia Bickers (Chair), Dexter Dalwood, Sarah Philp, Yelena Popova

In an increasingly competitive and professionalised art world, what mechanisms need to be put in place to ensure that artists continue to be supported?

12.40pm Showing: Patricia Bickers (Chair), Matt Copson, Bruce Lacey

What new models of showing work for emerging artists might need to be mapped out over the next 5 years to ensure that practices are sustainable?

1.20pm Interval (1 hour)

2.20pm Introduction

2.25pm Market: Iwona Blazwick (Chair), Neil Cummings, Jane & Louise Wilson

We operate in an increasing professionalised art world that is heavily influenced by the market, what impact does this have on artists producing work today?

3.05pm Collecting: Iwona Blazwick (Chair), Paul Noble, Hugh Worthy

Opportunities for recent graduates are vital if we are to ensure a vibrant future for the UK’s arts ecology. What role can collecting institutions play to support emerging artists at pivotal points in their career?

3.45pm Closing remarks