CVAN has been working regionally and nationally since 2012. The organisation was originally developed under the name Turning Point Network, following the 10-year visual arts strategy and implementation plan published by Arts Council England (ACE) in 2006.

The Turning Point plan identified widespread fragmentation as a challenge for the visual arts sector to address. ACE responded by supporting visual arts groups across England to come together in order to create and implement a shared vision for the sector, one that would help it consolidate, develop and grow.

ACE intended that this newly created national network develop the next 10-year strategy for the visual arts in England. This national network was adopted by BALTIC, and it evolved to become CVAN.

Read the Turning Point evaluation report by Annabel Jackson, which assessed the success of this nascent visual arts network.