Back To School

This year we are debating the merits of MFA study, speaking to three recent graduates about their experiences and the most important things they learned. We return to our popular What Curators Want strand, with two leading curators, Marie-Anne McQuay (Liverpool Biennial, Arts Council Collection, Arts&Heritage) and Rhia Davenport (The Wilson, Boss Morris), sharing what makes them tick and what they look for in a good curatorial relationship.

We are also launching our new partnership with the Association of Photographers, with an event co-hosted by Axis Co-Chair JC Candanedo. You will be able to pick up tips to make your photos pop, plus learn how to sign up for free mentoring with industry experts.

Because self-care is an important life skill, we will be talking regenerative practices with textile artist Ruth Singer, focusing on how artists can nourish themselves creatively when resilience has been tested for too long. Finally, we welcome award-winning artist Saad Qureshi (Bradford City of Culture, Yorkshire Sculpture Park) who will reflect on creating a sustainable artistic practice.

All events are free to Axis members, with a small fee/donation for non-members.

Price:  Free
Location:  Online
Catch-up:  Members can watch all events again in the Community

• Register for Your Tickets

Axis is a charity that supports contemporary artists. Back to School is self-funded and produced independently by our team, without external sponsorship or public funding.

• Learn About Our Cause

Sustaining a Creative Career

Saad Qureshi

7 pm (BST / UK time)

Award-winning artist Saad Qureshi (Bradford City of Culture, Yorkshire Sculpture Park) who will reflect on creating a sustainable artistic practice.

Image credit: Saad Qureshi

To MFA or not to MFA? 

KP Culver (RCA), Hang Zhang (LCA), Emilia Roberts (Cardiff)

7 pm (BST / UK time)

A discussion between three recent Masters graduates about their experiences of higher education in art.

Image credit: Hang Zhang

What Curators Want

Marie-Anne McQuay (Liverpool Biennial) and Rhia Davenport (The Wilson, Cheltenham)

7 pm (BST / UK time)

Presentations from two curators about what makes them tick and what makes a good curatorial relationship, with a chance to ask questions.

Image credit: Emlyn Bainbridge, The Wilson, Cheltenham

Image Matters: Telling the story of your practice

JC Candanedo and Adam Shaw

7 pm (BST / UK time)

To mark the launch of our new collaboration with the Association of Photographers (AOP), join the Co-chair of Axis Trustees and photographer JC Candanedo for a series of presentations by working photographers, pick up tips for taking better photographs, and learn how you can sign up for free mentoring later in the year.

Image credit: JC Candanedo

Regenerative Practices for Artists

Ruth Singer

7 pm (BST / UK time)

Exploring creative and community resilience for artists and how to work towards a more regenerative way of working. 

Image credit: Ruth Singer

Back to School with Axis exists to support artists’ ongoing learning. Many skills, strategies, and insights that sustain artistic practice are not taught in formal education. This programme creates space to share those lessons openly and build confidence for the long term.

Our aims are:

• Explore learning beyond traditional art school routes.
• Support sustainable practice through shared skills and honest conversations.
• Foster openness and generosity in the artist community.

• Events: Talks, Q&As, and workshops hosted live online.
• Resources: Event recordings available for members in the Axis Community.
• Community: A growing network of artists who share, connect, and support one another.

The programme builds on the insights and connections of previous years.

2024 highlights: artist writing, budgeting and funding workshops, PhD pathways, and what curators want.

• Read the 2024 Round up