Navigating the Journey for New Artists Symposium
Welcome to UKNA’s symposium page! Here, you'll find a collection of recorded sessions from our annual symposiums; an integral component of our Taking Place (People, Place, and Practice) programme.
Held annually, this symposium provides new artists with an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges they face in the ever-evolving arts landscape.
UKNA’s first iteration of the symposium took place on 20 October 2023 in Lincoln City as part of the 'Weekend Celebration of Creativity'. Set against the backdrop of post-Brexit and COVID-19 uncertainties, this event was particularly timely. Anchored in Art Council England’s new strategy, "Let's Create," it aimed to address key questions surrounding the support and sustainability of emerging artists' practices. Collaboratively organised by Lincoln Arts Centre and UK New Artists, the symposium fostered dialogue and collaboration among artists and industry professionals. It provided a platform to explore collective actions and mutual support within the community.
Below, you can explore the main topics covered during the 2023 UKNA symposium.
Thriving as an Artist
UKNA Alumni artist Margomool shares their journey, offering practical insights on thriving as an artist. Through candid reflections, Margomool shared the challenges they encountered and the strategies they employed to navigate the competitive landscape of the music industry.
From the importance of self-care and maintaining authenticity to the power of collaboration and embracing failure as a stepping stone to growth, Margomool provided a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring artists seeking to navigate the complexities of the creative industry.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence in the Arts
With rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence and the emergence of the Metaverse, the creative sector stands on the brink of profound transformation. The rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence and blockchain technology presents both opportunities and challenges for artists.
Speakers Benedict Carpenter and Sam Tahmassebi opened conversations about how these developments may impact the authenticity of artists' narratives. Questions surrounding the preservation of the true value of artistic storytelling, copyright ownership, and the preservation of human touch in artwork emerged as central themes. As we look toward the future, considerations about artists' intellectual property rights and the preservation of artistic authenticity have become increasingly significant.
Breaking Down Barriers for Artists
UKNA's Creative ThinkTank collected anonymous narratives about the barriers and challenges they currently face to facilitate a discussion during the 2023 UKNA Symposium. From navigating the intricacies of parenthood, race, gender, age, and geography, to funding hurdles and evolving cultural landscapes, the stories collected aim to inspire change and shape the future of the creative sector. This session aims to share insights into problem-solving strategies, showcasing what these processes can entail.
Hosted by members of the UKNA Creative ThinkTank: Hannaa Hamdache, Sarah Le Quang Sang, Ana Silverio, Hoyee Tse, and Gaynor Tutani.
UKNA Creative ThinkTank have produced a publication which summarises the findings and presents the results from the interactive presentation ‘Breaking Down Barriers for Artists’. Click the button below to view the publication.
Breaking Down Barriers for Arts in Society
Gain insights into navigating the complexities of art in society and explore pathways to break down barriers in the creative landscape. In this session, we explored Arts Council England’s ‘Let's Create’ strategy, examining its role and impact for new artists interested in socially engaged practice. Discussions centred around the importance of co-creation, best practices, and artist development, while also considering potential drawbacks such as the possibility of discouraging artists from creating purely for the sake of art.
The panel featured Ellen Ranson, Artist and Programme Coordinator for East Durham Creates, and Suzannah Bedford, Director of City Arts, Nottingham. The session was chaired by Vikki Jones, Talent Development Manager at UKNA.