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.
Updates, features, and insights from the visual arts community.
We are thrilled to share that artist Rita Pena, winner of CVAN EM's Bigger Bursary in Partnership with QUAD, will open her solo exhibition in QUAD's Montage Gallery on 21 November 2026. This exciting partnership brings together CVAN EM's commitment to artist development with QUAD's renowned expertise in contemporary photography and lens-based practice. Rita receive a £2,500 bursary from CVAN EM, alongside £2,000 of support from QUAD.
I’ve been working with a lightweight 30 micron material. It isn’t glamorous, but it does something very interesting. Light passes through it. It diffuses colour. It disappears when the light changes. It folds. It catches air. It’s so thin, it can become almost nothing, and then suddenly become a large glowing form.
SCORE is an evolving practice for noticing how listening is organised across cultural organisations and exploring how it might be composed differently. It can be used within governance, staff and organisational life, curatorial and artistic relationships, and public programmes.
Discover exhibitions, workshops, talks, performances events and creative activity across the region.
Leicester Print Workshop are delighted to offer a real exploration of type in all its formats across a huge range of projects that come together to create a comprehensive toolkit for any artist interested in beginning or developing their Letterpress practice. The course is designed to build understanding of the detailed nature of Letterpress through monthly sessions which will work best if extended by using the free membership that goes with this course.
This major new collaboration with Sleaford Museum will explore local heritage through contemporary art and community participation. The project will culminate in new exhibitions presented at both the Hub and Sleaford Museum, with new artist commissions and residencies shown alongside heritage and historical objects. Together, these will unearth and reinterpret objects from Sleaford Museum’s collection. Commissioned Artists: Madara Vimba, Emily Andersen, Andrew Bracey, Harriet Plewis, Liz Kelleher, Danica Maier, Dino Zhang and Madhu Manipatruni
West Sussex-based woodturner Ian Payne presents handcrafted bowls, tall forms and decorative fruit, made from a mix of local and sustainably sourced hardwoods. Exploring flared and straight-sided forms, his work highlights the natural flow and beauty of the material. https://www.ianpaynewoodturning.com/
Funding opportunties, residencies, creative roles, commissions, open calls, and professional or creative development.
The Building & Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day operation of BACKLIT’s new ground-floor public facility and is responsible for the safe, efficient and well-maintained operation of Alfred House.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Play and Learn Facilitator to join our small, dedicated team to co-design, prepare and facilitate workshops in our galleries and spaces, and in neighbourhood community settings. Our learning programmes connect with schools and colleges, young people, families, and a range of community groups across the city and beyond. As Play and Learn Facilitator you will be instrumental in the delivery of our Families programme, drawing on our seasonal exhibition programme and responding to local needs and interest. We have a programme of in person activity throughout the year, where we create immersive environments for families to play and create.
We are excited to open up applications from independent makers, designers, small businesses and more to fill our venue with a vibrant range of handmade goods at our Winter Fair on Saturday 12th December from 10am - 6pm! The event will feature independent makers and stall holders from across the East Midlands, alongside Corita, our resident pop-up bakery. Expect a mix of artists, designers, and festive treats. Free entry and family-friendly. "The community of traders was of really high quality and well curated." "Super welcoming atmosphere with great support!" "I had some really interesting conversations throughout the weekend with fellow makers and visitors."
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