Panel Discussion: A BRAVE NEW ART WORLD New Models for Sustaining Artists’ Practice through Sales
Schedule
Wed Apr 15 2026 at 05:45 pm to 07:45 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Fabrica gallery | Brighton, EN
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This panel brings together artist-led and organisational approaches that are reshaping how artists sustain their practice. From global grassroots movements to new exhibition models, the discussion will offer practical insight into alternative economies, peer support, and building financial resilience as an artist in a rapidly changing landscape.Join us in the midst of the Resonance - an exhibition showcasing and selling work by contemporary artists - for a panel discussion followed by Q&A with:
Jo Myles – Director, Sussex Contemporary
Matthew Burrows – Artist; founder of the Artists’ Support Pledge; TURPS East Sussex mentor
Chair: Liz Whitehead – Fabrica
Making a sustainable income as an artist has never been straightforward—and recent shifts have made it even more challenging. Funding is harder to access, paid opportunities are declining, and the commercial market is increasingly risk-averse. At the same time, wider changes such as AI, digitisation, and the loss of teaching and facilitation work are reshaping how artists earn.
This event focuses on two initiatives developed in Sussex that respond directly to these challenges:
Artists’ Support Pledge (ASP): Founded by Matthew Burrows in 2020, this global, Instagram-based movement enables artists to sell work affordably while supporting one another through a circular buying model. To date, it has generated over £80 million in artist income and fostered a strong culture of peer-to-peer support.
Sussex Contemporary: Since 2021, this organisation has been developing exhibition and professional development models that help artists grow their practice while generating income through sales, alongside workshops and one-to-one mentoring to build business skills.
Together, the speakers will explore what these models can teach us about sustaining artistic practice today- and what might come next.
For Fabrica's full programme of events, please visit: fabrica.org.uk/whats-on
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Where is it happening?
Fabrica gallery, 40 Duke Street,Brighton and Hove, Brighton, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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