News > Rooted in Regionality

Rooted in Regionality

Posted on by Paula Orrell

A flavour of our work around the country.

CVAN South West – Visual Arts South West

At VASW, we’re focusing on finding resourceful approaches to leading a visual arts support organisation in a time of scarcity. Here’s a round-up of what we’ve been working on, supporting, and planning across the region:

Curator Bank Launches
In May, we launched Curator Bank in partnership with The Burton at Bideford – a new initiative supporting South West artists and creative practitioners. The programme offers mentoring and one-to-one support, helping artists develop their practice and professional networks. Read more about Curator Bank.

Artist & Artworker Survey – Live from 1st July
Our next regional survey launched on 1st July, gathering vital insight into the working lives of artists and artworkers. From pay and employment to diversity and inclusion – your input helps us advocate for real change. You can read our 2024 report here.

New Resources for Emerging Artists
We’re working with HE institutions across the South West to develop a growing library of online tools and advice for students, recent graduates, and early-career artists. Explore the resources.

Celebrating Artist-led Practice
Every month, we advocate for artist-led groups, collectives, and spaces by spotlighting the brilliant work they do in shaping the South West’s creative landscape. Check out the growing series of features, conversations and reflections here.

WEVAA: Looking to the Future
The West of England Visual Arts Alliance (WEVAA), which works to strengthen the arts ecology in Bristol and the West of England, has completed a major three-year programme — and the work continues. We’re collaborating with our eight partners to explore future priorities and new structures. A public evaluation report was published in May.

Planning for Growth & Investment
We’re developing a series of funding applications to:
• Sustain our current staffing structure
• Expand our programme budget
• Bring new investment into the South West visual arts sector

We’re working closely with partner organisations to ensure this next chapter supports the whole ecology.

Stay Connected
Find out more at vasw.org.uk

CVAN North West

Our Focus for 2025
At CVAN NW, we’re continuing to explore and advocate for the vital role that visual arts play in creating a more just, healthy, and connected society. Our current programme is shaped around three core focus areas:

  • Climate Justice
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Placemaking

Piloting Nature Culture in Wigan

This year, we’ve launched Nature Culture, an exciting new cross-sector training programme in Wigan. The pilot brings together artists and environmental organisations to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and explore the potential for lasting partnerships.

Green Creative Health in the North
We’re also developing a Green Creative Health offer – a new initiative informed by our ongoing research into how artists contribute to healthier, more resilient communities. Watch this space for more as the work develops across the North.

Championing Equity in the Sector
We’re committed to building a fairer and more inclusive sector. This includes growing our steering group and continuing to profile the inspiring work of the Embracing Possibilities artist cohort. You can view their work on our website https://cvannw.co.uk/

Discover Visual Arts Across the North West
Our new website features a rich directory of visual arts organisations, galleries, studios and collectives across Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria. Organisations regularly submit opportunities and events, which are featured monthly. Explore the directory.

Stay Connected
Find out more at cvannw.co.uk

CVAN West Midlands

After a reflective four-year pause, CVAN West Midlands (CVAN WM) is back with fresh energy, new leadership, and clear priorities: sector resilience, regional connectivity, artist development, and inclusive representation. Through these, we aim to strengthen the region’s creative ecology and drive meaningful change.

Relaunch at a Glance

  • Re-established in partnership with DASH (Aug 2024) and backed by funding from DASH’s Arts Council England NPO award. Rooted in shared values, this partnership expands our reach, strengthens inclusivity, and enhances support for artists, arts workers, and organisations.
  • Now operating as a project within DASH, centring disability-led values and practice.

Sector Research Highlights
We commissioned research from West Midlands consultants Earthen Lamp, to give us more insight into future development, rebranding, and the recruitment of new Steering Group members who will help shape our strategy and champion our work. Highlights from the research:

  • 39 % of artists identify as D/deaf, Disabled or Neurodivergent — more than double the national average of 18%, showing the need for continued support.
  • Only 31 % of survey respondents recognised the CVAN WM brand.
  • 63 % rely on income outside the visual-arts sector; 40 % juggle multiple jobs.
  • 80 % supported the idea of a single online hub for jobs, opportunities and resources.

These insights are steering everything we do next.

Key Focus Areas & Actions

  • Steering Group Recruitment – bringing in diverse voices with expertise in funding, accessibility and sector advocacy.
  • New Website & Resource Hub – regional arts map, opportunities board, news blog and arts worker directory all in one place for effective support.
  • Curator’s Forum – an action-led network championing curatorial practice and collaboration across the region.
  • Artist Development & Public Programming – funding pathways, networks and professional opportunities for emerging and mid-career artists.
  • Strategic Partnerships & Advocacy – deeper ties with local authorities, arts orgs and cross-sector industries to drive investment into the region’s visual arts.
  • Expanding Regional Reach – targeted engagement in under-represented areas such as Telford & Wrekin.

What’s Coming Up

In February 2025, we launched a new public programme. Our joint programming focuses on artist development, sector resilience, and broader regional representation. By pooling resources and expertise, we can make a greater impact, particularly for disabled and neurodivergent artists in the West Midlands..

  • BAS10 – Digital showcases, public-realm commissions and sector-development labs spotlighting West Midlands talent.
  • Coventry Biennial – Talks exploring collecting & obsession through the lens of disability and neurodivergence.
  • UNBOUND – A new programme with DASH & Beam, up-skilling mid-career artists for public-realm commissions.

Stay Connected

Find out more at www.cvanwestmidlands.co.uk

CVAN East Midlands

Working closely with our host venue New Art Exchange, CVAN East Midlands (CVAN EM) continues to champion and support the region’s visual arts sector. Guided by a diverse Steering Group, everything we do is filtered through three lenses: equity, access, and long-term sustainability for artists and arts workers.

What We’re Doing

We’re driving initiatives that build sustainable infrastructures, provide professional development, and foster collaboration.

  • Free 1-to-1 mentoring for artists and arts workers
  • Bi-monthly networking sessions that spark new collaborations
  • Artist bursaries to kick-start projects
  • An Arts Worker Directory to connect our network
  • An annual conference to set the agenda together
  • We’re responding to a reduction in local cultural provision in Derby/shire with targeted, confidence-building programmes in partnership with UK New Artists

Annual Conference: A Catalyst for Change

Our annual gathering is a key moment for sector-wide discussion and collaboration. This year’s programme included:

  • Lincolnshire follow-up (April 2025) Kept the conversation going with local artists and organisations, and signalled our commitment to new investment in the county.
  • Northampton forum (May 2025) Previewed the soon-to-reopen NN Contemporary Art, shining a light on this major cultural redevelopment, and addressing the locality’s status as a so-called “cultural cold spot.”
  • Ongoing work in Mansfield, connecting its cultural service with visual artists, and supporting artist-led initiatives. Our gathering in June, Deep Roots: A Holistic Gathering for Mansfield Artists fostered new collaborations for a stronger local arts ecosystem.

Introducing Ode to the Midlands

A landmark collaboration with CVAN West Midlands that will allow us to work together, pooling expertise, resources, and networks to create a more connected, inclusive, and thriving arts landscape. The programme will champion under-represented artists, celebrate the region’s cultural richness, and drive sustainable development, by:

  • Commissioning 10 Midlands-based artists—Global Majority, Disabled, d/Deaf, and Neurodivergent—to create brand-new digital works, pairing each artist with a host organisation across the East & West Midlands, weaving tighter regional networks.
  • Creating new platforms for showcasing talent, fostering connections, and driving resilience
  • Fostering a sustainable model of cross-regional collaboration

We’re currently seeking investment to bring this ambitious programme to life, ensuring it delivers vital financial support to artists while strengthening networks and deepening impact across our regions.

Stay connected

Find out more at www.cvaneastmidlands.co.uk

CVAN South East

Listening to Our Network

Earlier this year, we launched a Pause and Review of CVAN South East, taking time to reflect and reconnect. Between February and May, we consulted our 36 Network partners through surveys and roundtables, alongside insights from the 2024/25 Platform Graduate Award, the Neurodivergent Peer Group, and the recently concluded VisualiSE programme.

What we heard:

  • CVAN South East is a valued source of sector support
  • Partners want more collaboration opportunities
  • Stronger links with artists across the region are needed

Read the full report and upcoming action plan

Steering Group Updates

We’re excited to announce Edward Ball as our new Chair, taking over from Fiona Venables. Edward is Director of Devonshire Collective in Eastbourne and brings a deep commitment to connection, advocacy, and inclusivity.

“It’s an honour to join CVAN South East as Chair, working with our Steering Group to build connections and community in our visual arts ecosystem, and to advocate for our sector’s vital civic and economic contributions. We want to raise awareness of what CVAN South East can do for artists, freelancers and organisations alike – fostering collaboration, strengthening networks and sharing best practice – and to support a greater diversity of voices and perspectives in collaboratively shaping our next chapter.”

Also joining our Steering Group is acclaimed artist Ruth Jarman, one half of artist duo, Semiconductor, who brings vital artistic insight as one of our artist representatives.

Platform Graduate Award

As selections begin for this year’s Platform Graduate Award, which offers exhibition opportunities and professional development, we asked last year’s awardees to hear how the programme supported them in their first year post-graduation:

  • Hima Bijoy (UCA Farnham / Aspex, Portsmouth)
  • Kitty Reeves-Short (University of Brighton / Phoenix Art Space)
  • Indigo Wills (University of Falmouth / MIRROR)
  • Luca and Katrina Dayank (University of Reading / Modern Art Oxford)

Each received a bursary and six months of tailored mentoring with support from CVAN South East and leading art professionals from Platform partner venues.

In 2024, for the first time, an award was made in each of the four exhibitions, rather than one single winner, reflecting our commitment to nurturing a broader spectrum of talent.

This year’s recipients award is delivered in partnership with:
Aspex Portsmouth, Modern Art Oxford, Phoenix Art Space, and MIRROR (Arts University Plymouth, University of Plymouth & Falmouth University)

Stay Connected

Find out more at https://cvansoutheast.com/

YVAN Yorkshire and Humberside

YVAN champions the region’s visual arts through collaborative projects, research, and artist support. Here’s what we’re working on:

Art X-UK
Partnering on artist selection and visibility through the national Art X-UK programme.

Uncover Cultural Skills – Rotherham
Building creative skills and cultural confidence in local communities.

Bradford 2025
Contributing to the City of Culture with artist development, network building, and regional visibility.

ArtBomb – Doncaster
Supporting a project linking mental health and arts ecology to build a more sustainable cultural environment.

Artist Social – Locations of Hope
Nurturing grassroots creativity and artist-led publishing through new networks and collaborations.

Situations – Leeds
Backing DIY Festival with knowledge-sharing and peer learning.

Research & Learning

  • Supporting three Collaborative Doctoral Award researchers
  • Leading internal research to inform future strategy
  • Finalising the Unbound programme evaluation

Advocacy & Sector Development

  • Showcasing regional artists and organisations
  • Gathering data on studios, networks, and infrastructure
  • Expanding our Board to strengthen governance
  • Exploring earned income to build resilience
  • Developing regionally responsive exhibition strategies

Sharing Best Practice
We’re learning from other CVAN regions to improve our own models—drawing inspiration from London’s Writers Room, the North East’s Small Grants Model, and the East Midlands’ Freelancer Database.

Stay Connected

Find out more at https://www.yvan.org.uk/

CVAN London

At CVAN London, our work is guided by four key programming strands:

1. Education

As a network of artists, galleries, studios, producers, art schools and partners, we’re working collaboratively towards inclusive, equitable arts education at all stages – from early years and formal education to gallery and museum creative learning, professional development and leadership.

Our flagship initiative is the Creative Learning Hub – a pilot network creating space for care, dialogue, and knowledge exchange among:

  • Creative learning professionals
  • Participatory artists
  • Freelance practitioners
  • Aspiring educators

These conversations take place online and are open to anyone interested in progressive and accessible approaches to creative learning.

2. Equality

We’re committed to anti-racist and equitable practice in the visual arts sector, particularly following an increase in reports of racist incidents experienced by artists and cultural workers in the sector

This work includes:

The AREVA framework helps us respond meaningfully to structural inequities in the arts and continues to shape our organisational values and strategies.

3. Sustainability

We’re working in partnership to develop ways to adapt to climate change and its impacts, reduce our carbon footprint and develop a sustainable visual arts sector for artists, arts workers, audiences and arts organisations. This also includes planning for climate adaptation strategies for exhibitions, studio practice, materials and logistics.

4. Data Matters

  • Explore the potential of digital tools and technologies
  • Rethink the role of data in arts practice
  • Use data to tell better stories, inform decisions, and amplify impact

Key Sector Priorities

We’re actively exploring solutions to some of London’s most pressing visual arts infrastructure challenges:

Studio and Space Access
Key areas of focus include:

  • Seed funding for new studio models
  • Reforming Section 106 agreements enabling developers to deliver equitable and innovative outcomes for the creative sector
  • Using the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) as an investment model for artists, arts spaces and art programming, including the safeguarding of low-cost studio spaces as essential infrastructure
  • Advocating for a new subcategory for visual arts economies
  • Strengthening connections and resources across Priority Places, Creative Enterprise Zones, and boroughs

Recent Developments & Insights

Policy for Policy Zine
Created through the AREVA Writers’ Room, this zine supports organisations to develop language that reflects their values and communicates with care. Participants experimented with creative and analytical writing to reshape institutional language.

London Studio Survey
We ran a survey to better understand the studio landscape in the capital:

  • 2,861 spaces mapped
  • 50% of providers offer added value: residencies, bursaries, exhibitions, or training
  • 22.3% of UK’s visual artists are based in London, meaning potentially 10,800 artists, a data snapshot showing urgent gaps between need and provision
  • Only 17 providers offer visual arts–specific studio space

Upcoming Programmes

  • Curate Brent – Emerging Curators Training Programmein collaboration with Brent Council
  • Co-developing Art Technologies for More Inclusive Visual Arts Spaces – with Dr Sara Adhitya (UCL PEARL), ActionSpace and CVAN London members
  • Creative Learning Hub – Phase 2 – continuing our online convening and support for arts educators and participatory artists

Stay Connected

Find out more at https://www.cvanlondon.art/

 

CVAN North East – Art Network North East

At Art Network North East, we work to support the region’s visual arts sector, highlighting and strengthening the interdependence of the sector, by delivering resources for both the sector and the public, supporting individual practitioners and institutions, and developing events and projects. By supporting an infrastructure of care, collaboration and visibility, we can build a more resilient, equitable and sustainable future for the arts in our region.

North East Artists’ Fund: Micro-Bursaries
Now in its third year, the North East Artists’ Fund is a growing initiative designed to bridge the gap between zero support and the £1,000 minimum threshold for Arts Council England’s Project Grants.

What it offers:

  • Micro-bursaries for travel, equipment, studio rent, childcare & more
  • Simple 10-minute application
  • 10-day decision turnaround
  • No outputs required
  • No restriction on capital spend

This fund is made possible by contributions from a range of arts institutions and local authorities across the region, embodying a shared commitment to mutual support and trust in artists’ needs.

The fund also offers insight into the state of the sector. Annual reports and data summaries are available on our website.

Newcastle & Gateshead Art Map: A Platform for Public Engagement
Published quarterly since 2021, the Newcastle & Gateshead Art Map is a free, printed resource for the public distributed throughout Tyneside. It features:

  • Galleries, exhibitions, and artist-led projects
  • Equal visibility for funded and unfunded initiatives
  • A public-facing tool that fosters collaboration and visibility

The map has also inspired events such as:

  • Artists’ Forum – a regular meet-up for discussion and exchange
  • Open Thursday – a pilot late-night art event for the city

This project continues to thrive thanks to a multi-partner funding model.

Expanding Access: A New Website
Launched in 2023, our new website anne.art builds on the map’s success by offering a central hub for artists, audiences, and collaborators alike. It includes:

  • Exhibition & event listings across the entire North East
  • Artist & organisation directories
  • Funding and opportunity listings
  • A platform for writing, commentary, and sector dialogue

Critical Forums & Writing Development
We regularly respond to structural gaps in the sector through focused programming:

LUX Tyneside Critical Forum (2022–23):
A monthly peer group for artists and curators working with the moving image, inspired by the original model established by LUX, the UK’s national agency for artists’ moving image.

Experimental Writing Group (2024–25):
In collaboration with BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, we launched a writing group as part of its Artist Development Programme. The pilot was led by writer/artist Lesley Guy (Corridor8) and supported emerging critical voices. We’re currently exploring future formats for this initiative.

Artist-Centred Research

We lead and commission research that addresses structural questions in the visual arts — especially those too large for any single organisation to tackle alone. This data increasingly intersects with that gleaned from recipients of the North East Artists’ Fund.

Recent focus:
Low levels of ACE Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) awards in the North East prompted us to survey regional artists. Initial findings suggest a confidence gap may be impacting application rates. Further analysis and recommendations will follow.

Stay

Find out more at anne.art