Developing A Sustainable (Creative) Career
Unlock the secrets to a thriving creative career. This event is in partnership with CVAN EM, CVAN WM & Ode to the Midlands.
Contemporary Visual Arts Network East Midlands
CVAN EM celebrates and supports visual arts and culture in the region, fostering an inclusive long-term future for the sector, emphasising equity and access for all arts workers.
Latest Activity
Updates, features, and insights from the visual arts community.
Introduction to VR for Visual Arts
Curious about VR but don’t know where to start?
CVAN EM AGM 2026: Reflection, Dialogue and Collective Action
Taking place at a pivotal moment for the visual arts sector, the 2026 CVAN EM AGM provided an important opportunity to consider the wider context shaping our work.
20 Apr 2026
Events & Exhibitions
Discover exhibitions, workshops, talks, performances events and creative activity across the region.
10am - 4pm, Thursday - Tuesday
Eduardo Paolozzi: General Dynamic F.U.N
A new Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition of screen-prints by Eduardo Paolozzi, open at the Usher Gallery as part of a national tour. Paolozzi's General Dynamic F.U.N is a series of fifty screenprints and photolithographs created between 1965 and 1970. Here Paolozzi employs the technologies of mass-reproduction and gorges on its idols – the household names of consumer advertising, high fashion and Hollywood. Image: Paolozzi Eduardo, Totems and Taboos of the Nine-to-Five Day © 2026 The Paolozzi Foundation, Licensed by DACS.
14 Mar 2026 - 07 Jun 2026
Usher Gallery, Lindum Rd, Lincoln LN2 1NN
Thursday- Saturday, 10am-3pm
Phil Root: Flat Earth
Flat Earth is a solo exhibition by Bristol-based artist Phil Root, presenting new ceramic works. Working with foraged and industrial materials—unprocessed clay, wood ash, and brick dust— Root explores the limits of traditional ceramics through experimental casting, glazing and firing, inviting clay to behave on its own terms. Whether casting asphalt textures from outside his studio or firing slabs of raw clay dug from a Bristol building site, he lets materials shape themselves—altered by heat, pressure, and time.
14 Mar 2026 - 13 Jun 2026
Modern Painters, New Decorators. Aumberry Gap, Loughborough, LE11 1DP
Daily
Martin Hall Exhibition Workshop #2: Atta Kwami Gateway
Atta Kwami's sculpture Atsiaƒu ƒe agbo nu (Gateway to the sea) has been a much loved feature of Shirley Pearce Square since 2022. In order to prolong the sculpture's life, LU Arts and Pamela Clarkson Kwami have arranged for it to undergo a thorough programme of restoration. This is being undertaken by Andy Philpott, who worked with Atta Kwami on the original work.
24 Mar 2026 - 18 May 2026
Loughborough University, Martin Hall, Epinal Way, Loughborough LE11 3TS
Jobs & Opportunities
Funding opportunties, residencies, creative roles, commissions, open calls, and professional or creative development.
£200 for sponsored membersUrgent
CVAN EM is looking for new Steering Group Members
CVAN EM is seeking new members to join our Steering Group at an exciting moment of growth, investment and regional development. Open to Artists and Arts Workers based in the East Midlands. Deadline: Monday 11 May, 10amResponses: Tuesday 19 May, 5pmRole: Voluntary, 4 meetings per year 1 Development DayStart: October 2026 (handover meeting in July 2026) Applicant Q A: Monday 20 April, 11.30am 12noon (online, via Zoom)Contact Colette Griffin at colette@cvaneastmidlands.co.uk to book onto the session, or to request an online 10 minute 1-2-1 conversation (subject to capacity). We are recruiting: 2 Sponsored Artist / Freelance Arts Workers ( 200 per quarterly meeting + annual development day) 2-3 Organisational Representatives (arts workers e.g., curators producers working in a visual arts context and supported by their employer to attend and contribute) Why Join Now? This is a pivotal moment for CVAN EM. Our 2026-27 priorities focus on: Advocacy Influence: strengthening the East Midlands voice nationally Artist Arts Worker Investment: creating paid opportunities and partnerships Regional Visibility: spotlighting East Midlands talent across the UK and internationally Inclusive Infrastructure: developing a dynamic and representative network In 2026 2027 we are also delivering Ode to the Midlands, an 18-month Arts Council England funded programme supporting mid-career artists through commissions, partnerships, and digital innovation. What Does the Steering Group Do? Steering Group members: Advise and support CVAN EM s Director on strategy and priorities Act as advocates for CVAN EM regionally and nationally Contribute to sector insight, debate and development drawing on their unique skills, knowledge, lived experience and geographical perspective and understanding. Attend 4 meetings per year (January, April, July, October) Take part in working groups and an annual development day CVAN EM is neither a charity nor limited company, which means there are no personal liabilities associated with Steering Group. Membership This is an unwaged role, with sponsored members only receiving a nominal fee of 200 per meetings. All Steering Group members are reimbursed for travel expenses incurred when attending in-person meetings. What You ll Gain Professional development and leadership experience Peer learning and networking across the region and nationally Opportunity to shape the future of the region s visual arts sector Annual externally facilitated development session Who We re Looking For All applicants must be: Based in and passionate about the East Midlands (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland). Over the age of 18 and not currently studying at undergraduate level. artists, freelancers, or arts workers (including curatorial, production, technical, engagement or learning roles) We welcome applications from individuals who: Are committed to equity, access and inclusion Bring strategic thinking, lived experience and/or creative insight Are motivated to actively contribute and collaborate For full details on responsibilities, please refer to our Terms of Reference. How to Apply Download the application pack: Steering Group Recruitment Application Pack (PDF)Steering Group Recruitment Application Pack (docx)Steering Group Recruitment Summary Application Pack (PDF)Steering Group Recruitment Summary Application Pack (docx) Send to: Colette Griffin at colette@cvaneastmidlands.co.uk with the subject line [CVAN EM Steering Group Recruitment] by Monday 11 May 2026, 10am. Image credit: CVAN EM AGM 2026 at Leicester Print Workshop. By Beth Walsh.
Deadline: 11 May 2026
£15 - £25 entry fee
Call For Submissions: Tarpey Gallery Open 2026
This open call aims to showcase the best of UK contemporary art by bringing together emerging and established artists to create a diverse and exciting group exhibition in one of the Midlands foremost Commercial Contemporary Fine Art Galleries. Entries will be open to all artists working in the UK. Artwork can be on any theme and we will be accepting Artworks using all types of media; paintings, original prints, photography, textiles, drawings, works on paper and 3D works – including sculpture and ceramics. - Entries open 20th April – 20th May, 2026. - Winning submissions will be included in a group exhibition from 27th June – 9th August 2026. – A Cash Prize of £250 for the Winner – We will invite multiple artists to take part in next year’s exhibition programme.
Deadline: 20 May 2026
Grade 6 band: £33,002 starting salary up to £37,694 per annum
Exhibitions and Visual Arts Manager
Attenborough Arts Centre is one of the UK’s leading centres for art and culture with 100,000 visitors per year. As part of the University of Leicester, the organisation provides a dynamic cultural hub for our diverse public, student and staff communities. This new role will produce Attenborough Arts Centre’s extensive exhibitions and visual arts programmes and work with the Director to develop an ambitious visual arts strategy. This post will manage all aspects of our visual arts programmes and work with a range of guest curators, internal and external colleagues to further grow the profile and reach of our exhibitions. While this is not predominantly a curating role, the ability to provide curatorial advice and guidance is an important aspect of the job. As part of the Senior Management Team, the postholder will contribute to delivering the organisation’s mission of ‘Art For All’, raising national reputation and achieving financial sustainability.
Deadline: 26 May 2026
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