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A roundup of the exciting plans for 2026 across CVAN’s eight regions and London, showcasing the strength of a network rooted in place and driven by artists.

Across England, our regional partners are delivering mentoring, bursaries, artist development, research, and cross-sector collaborations that respond directly to local needs. From new digital commissions and artist-led programmes to micro-bursaries, networks, directories and advocacy, the work is building stronger infrastructure and more resilient support for artists and arts workers.

Together, our nine regions are shaping a connected national ecology, sharing knowledge, championing equity, and creating opportunities for artists to thrive.

Read the full round-up: https://cvan.art/a-round-up-of-the-exciting-plans-for-2026-across-our-nine-regions/

CVAN England has published its response to the independent review of Arts Council England.

We strongly welcome the clear defence of the Arm’s Length Principle essential to artistic freedom and public trust.

Our response calls for:
• Long-term investment in artists and infrastructure
• Simplification that genuinely reduces bureaucracy
• Place-based decision-making rooted in local expertise
• Support for artists across a full arc of development

This moment matters. Structural change must be accompanied by real investment if the visual arts are to thrive.

🔗 Read more via the link in bio

We’re thrilled to share that Paula Orrell, Director of CVAN England, has been appointed by Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State at @dcmsgovuk, to the Creative Industries Council.

The Creative Industries Council brings together government and industry to tackle major issues facing the creative sector — from skills and innovation to exports, finance and intellectual property. It’s a key forum shaping the future of the UK’s creative economy.

For CVAN, this is a major moment. Paula’s appointment ensures the visual arts have a stronger voice at the national table — championing artists, studios, galleries and visual arts organisations across all nine regions.

A big step forward for our sector, and an exciting opportunity to influence real change.

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/creative-industries-council

We’re thrilled to share that Paula Orrell, Director of CVAN England, has been appointed by Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State at @dcmsgovuk, to the Creative Industries Council.

The Creative Industries Council brings together government and industry to tackle major issues facing the creative sector — from skills and innovation to exports, finance and intellectual property. It’s a key forum shaping the future of the UK’s creative economy.

For CVAN, this is a major moment. Paula’s appointment ensures the visual arts have a stronger voice at the national table — championing artists, studios, galleries and visual arts organisations across all nine regions.

A big step forward for our sector, and an exciting opportunity to influence real change.

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/creative-industries-council

We’re thrilled to share that Paula Orrell, Director of CVAN England, has been appointed by Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State at @dcmsgovuk, to the Creative Industries Council.

The Creative Industries Council brings together government and industry to tackle major issues facing the creative sector — from skills and innovation to exports, finance and intellectual property. It’s a key forum shaping the future of the UK’s creative economy.

For CVAN, this is a major moment. Paula’s appointment ensures the visual arts have a stronger voice at the national table — championing artists, studios, galleries and visual arts organisations across all nine regions.

A big step forward for our sector, and an exciting opportunity to influence real change.

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/creative-industries-council

CVAN England is looking ahead to the DCMS Arts Council England Review — and we’re hoping for real structural change across the visual arts.

Across our nine networks, the ecosystem is both vital and vulnerable. Artists and organisations are facing unaffordable spaces, insecure freelance work, regional inequalities and gaps in progression that hold talent back.

We want a review that:
✨ Puts artists at the centre
✨ Commits to fairer investment
✨ Strengthens core funding
✨ Builds better data + stronger infrastructure
✨ Truly reflects the realities on the ground

We’re calling for a bold plan that helps artists — and the organisations that support them — to thrive.

🔗 Read more about what we hope to see in the Review (link in bio)

#VisualArts #ArtistsMatter #ACEReview #CreativeIndustries #CVANEngland #ArtEcosystem #ArtsAdvocacy

CVAN England is looking ahead to the DCMS Arts Council England Review — and we’re hoping for real structural change across the visual arts.

Across our nine networks, the ecosystem is both vital and vulnerable. Artists and organisations are facing unaffordable spaces, insecure freelance work, regional inequalities and gaps in progression that hold talent back.

We want a review that:
✨ Puts artists at the centre
✨ Commits to fairer investment
✨ Strengthens core funding
✨ Builds better data + stronger infrastructure
✨ Truly reflects the realities on the ground

We’re calling for a bold plan that helps artists — and the organisations that support them — to thrive.

🔗 Read more about what we hope to see in the Review (link in bio)

#VisualArts #ArtistsMatter #ACEReview #CreativeIndustries #CVANEngland #ArtEcosystem #ArtsAdvocacy

CVAN England is looking ahead to the DCMS Arts Council England Review — and we’re hoping for real structural change across the visual arts.

Across our nine networks, the ecosystem is both vital and vulnerable. Artists and organisations are facing unaffordable spaces, insecure freelance work, regional inequalities and gaps in progression that hold talent back.

We want a review that:
✨ Puts artists at the centre
✨ Commits to fairer investment
✨ Strengthens core funding
✨ Builds better data + stronger infrastructure
✨ Truly reflects the realities on the ground

We’re calling for a bold plan that helps artists — and the organisations that support them — to thrive.

🔗 Read more about what we hope to see in the Review (link in bio)

#VisualArts #ArtistsMatter #ACEReview #CreativeIndustries #CVANEngland #ArtEcosystem #ArtsAdvocacy

Big news for the creative sector.
Today, organisations from across the UK and Europe launched the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC), a significant new alliance working to remove barriers to touring, support cultural exchange, and unlock shared growth.

CVAN England is proud to be part of this coalition alongside leading partners across music, theatre, dance and the wider cultural industries, backed by icons including Dame Evelyn Glennie, Jools Holland OBE, and Mark King (Level 42).

As the UK and EU acknowledge in their Common Understanding, cultural exchange must be protected.

But current post-EU arrangements aren’t working.

They’re harming artists, audiences, venues and local economies.

The CEC calls on political leaders to turn commitments into action and build a future where creativity can move freely again.

Its members include the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN), the European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE), the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA), the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), LIVE, the Musicians’ Union, One Dance, Pearle*, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), UK Music and UK Theatre.

🔗 More information and full member list on the new CEC website.

#CreativeExchange #CEC #CVAN #Touring #CreativeIndustries #CulturalPolicy #ArtistMobility #UKArts #EUCulture

Big news for the creative sector.
Today, organisations from across the UK and Europe launched the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC), a significant new alliance working to remove barriers to touring, support cultural exchange, and unlock shared growth.

CVAN England is proud to be part of this coalition alongside leading partners across music, theatre, dance and the wider cultural industries, backed by icons including Dame Evelyn Glennie, Jools Holland OBE, and Mark King (Level 42).

As the UK and EU acknowledge in their Common Understanding, cultural exchange must be protected.

But current post-EU arrangements aren’t working.

They’re harming artists, audiences, venues and local economies.

The CEC calls on political leaders to turn commitments into action and build a future where creativity can move freely again.

Its members include the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN), the European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE), the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA), the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), LIVE, the Musicians’ Union, One Dance, Pearle*, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), UK Music and UK Theatre.

🔗 More information and full member list on the new CEC website.

#CreativeExchange #CEC #CVAN #Touring #CreativeIndustries #CulturalPolicy #ArtistMobility #UKArts #EUCulture

Big news for the creative sector.
Today, organisations from across the UK and Europe launched the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC), a significant new alliance working to remove barriers to touring, support cultural exchange, and unlock shared growth.

CVAN England is proud to be part of this coalition alongside leading partners across music, theatre, dance and the wider cultural industries, backed by icons including Dame Evelyn Glennie, Jools Holland OBE, and Mark King (Level 42).

As the UK and EU acknowledge in their Common Understanding, cultural exchange must be protected.

But current post-EU arrangements aren’t working.

They’re harming artists, audiences, venues and local economies.

The CEC calls on political leaders to turn commitments into action and build a future where creativity can move freely again.

Its members include the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN), the European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE), the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA), the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), LIVE, the Musicians’ Union, One Dance, Pearle*, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), UK Music and UK Theatre.

🔗 More information and full member list on the new CEC website.

#CreativeExchange #CEC #CVAN #Touring #CreativeIndustries #CulturalPolicy #ArtistMobility #UKArts #EUCulture

Big news for the creative sector.
Today, organisations from across the UK and Europe launched the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC), a significant new alliance working to remove barriers to touring, support cultural exchange, and unlock shared growth.

CVAN England is proud to be part of this coalition alongside leading partners across music, theatre, dance and the wider cultural industries, backed by icons including Dame Evelyn Glennie, Jools Holland OBE, and Mark King (Level 42).

As the UK and EU acknowledge in their Common Understanding, cultural exchange must be protected.

But current post-EU arrangements aren’t working.

They’re harming artists, audiences, venues and local economies.

The CEC calls on political leaders to turn commitments into action and build a future where creativity can move freely again.

Its members include the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN), the European Music Exporters Exchange (EMEE), the European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA), the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), LIVE, the Musicians’ Union, One Dance, Pearle*, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), UK Music and UK Theatre.

🔗 More information and full member list on the new CEC website.

#CreativeExchange #CEC #CVAN #Touring #CreativeIndustries #CulturalPolicy #ArtistMobility #UKArts #EUCulture

🔊Why the new overnight-stay levy matters for culture and why we need to be at the table now

The Government’s announcement of a new local overnight-stay levy is a genuinely significant step. With more than 130 million overnight visits to England each year, even a modest charge could generate millions in new local revenue.

But its real potential lies in how that revenue is used.

Culture, creativity and the visual arts are core drivers of place-making, regeneration and local identity. As we set out in Framing the Future, investment in studios, grassroots venues, public programmes and cultural infrastructure is essential if towns and cities are to flourish.

That’s why cultural and civic leaders must be involved in designing the levy framework from the start, ensuring it supports the whole cultural ecology, not just tourism infrastructure.

Without this, there is a real risk that funds drift into general budgets rather than strengthening the creative life of communities.

This is a moment of opportunity: a chance to unlock a new, sustainable revenue stream for culture at the local level, aligned with Labour’s missions on regeneration, growth and community wellbeing.

Now is the time for the cultural sector to be at the table shaping the priorities, governance, and impact of this levy so it delivers long-term value for people and place.

📢 Support artists and VASW’s work in the South West 💫⁠
⁠
VASW are raising funds for our work through a series of limited edition t-shirts designed by amazing artists who live, work in, or have a strong connection to the region. ⁠
⁠
T-shirt designs are by - ⁠
🔥Libby Bove @libby.bove.arts / Helen Cammock @cammockhelen / Martyn Cross @martyncross / Libita Sibungu @libitasibungu 🔥⁠
⁠
T-shirts cost £35 each plus P&P, and all profits will be split 50/50 between VASW & the artists. Orders placed now will be shipped ready for Christmas!⁠
⁠
➡️ PRE-ORDERS NOW OPEN! ⬅️⁠
🔗Visit https://vasw-online-store.myshopify.com/ for more information and to order. Link also in our bio.⁠
⁠
Orders will close on Sunday 30 November, or when all t-shirts in the edition are allocated. ⁠
⁠
#VASWartisttshirts #VASW #VisualArtsSW #SWVisualArts #SupportArtists ⁠

📢 Support artists and VASW’s work in the South West 💫⁠
⁠
VASW are raising funds for our work through a series of limited edition t-shirts designed by amazing artists who live, work in, or have a strong connection to the region. ⁠
⁠
T-shirt designs are by - ⁠
🔥Libby Bove @libby.bove.arts / Helen Cammock @cammockhelen / Martyn Cross @martyncross / Libita Sibungu @libitasibungu 🔥⁠
⁠
T-shirts cost £35 each plus P&P, and all profits will be split 50/50 between VASW & the artists. Orders placed now will be shipped ready for Christmas!⁠
⁠
➡️ PRE-ORDERS NOW OPEN! ⬅️⁠
🔗Visit https://vasw-online-store.myshopify.com/ for more information and to order. Link also in our bio.⁠
⁠
Orders will close on Sunday 30 November, or when all t-shirts in the edition are allocated. ⁠
⁠
#VASWartisttshirts #VASW #VisualArtsSW #SWVisualArts #SupportArtists ⁠

📢 Support artists and VASW’s work in the South West 💫⁠
⁠
VASW are raising funds for our work through a series of limited edition t-shirts designed by amazing artists who live, work in, or have a strong connection to the region. ⁠
⁠
T-shirt designs are by - ⁠
🔥Libby Bove @libby.bove.arts / Helen Cammock @cammockhelen / Martyn Cross @martyncross / Libita Sibungu @libitasibungu 🔥⁠
⁠
T-shirts cost £35 each plus P&P, and all profits will be split 50/50 between VASW & the artists. Orders placed now will be shipped ready for Christmas!⁠
⁠
➡️ PRE-ORDERS NOW OPEN! ⬅️⁠
🔗Visit https://vasw-online-store.myshopify.com/ for more information and to order. Link also in our bio.⁠
⁠
Orders will close on Sunday 30 November, or when all t-shirts in the edition are allocated. ⁠
⁠
#VASWartisttshirts #VASW #VisualArtsSW #SWVisualArts #SupportArtists ⁠

📢 Support artists and VASW’s work in the South West 💫⁠
⁠
VASW are raising funds for our work through a series of limited edition t-shirts designed by amazing artists who live, work in, or have a strong connection to the region. ⁠
⁠
T-shirt designs are by - ⁠
🔥Libby Bove @libby.bove.arts / Helen Cammock @cammockhelen / Martyn Cross @martyncross / Libita Sibungu @libitasibungu 🔥⁠
⁠
T-shirts cost £35 each plus P&P, and all profits will be split 50/50 between VASW & the artists. Orders placed now will be shipped ready for Christmas!⁠
⁠
➡️ PRE-ORDERS NOW OPEN! ⬅️⁠
🔗Visit https://vasw-online-store.myshopify.com/ for more information and to order. Link also in our bio.⁠
⁠
Orders will close on Sunday 30 November, or when all t-shirts in the edition are allocated. ⁠
⁠
#VASWartisttshirts #VASW #VisualArtsSW #SWVisualArts #SupportArtists ⁠

UK Visual Arts Support Ecology Summit – Tues 25 Nov, 10am–12.30pm (online)

Hosted by @frankfairartistpay , CVAN England, @anartistsinfo , and @dacsforartists

Join us for a national conversation on the pressing issues shaping the UK visual arts sector — from studio sustainability and fair pay to hidden labour, AI, and copyright. With breakout strands across key themes, this summit brings together artists, organisations, unions and advocates to explore what the sector needs now.

CVAN will host the workshop:
“Affordability, Value and Collective Risk – The Ecology of Artist Studios”
A sector-wide discussion centred on what binds the studio ecology together:
• What affordable workspace really means for artists
• Collective financial models supporting long-term stability
• Studios as communities of practice and opportunity
• The value artists generate in place, community and civic life
• Mapping the public good and invisible labour of studios
• How we recognise and share risk to build collective resilience

Great speakers joining the CVAN workshop from @abingdonstudios_projectspace @space_studios_london @artistledsthelens @twoqueensleicester @granduniongallery

This is an opportunity to come together, share insight, and shape a more equitable and sustainable future for artists and studios across the UK.

🎟️ Tickets £5

𝗔 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

The Government’s Curriculum Review sets out a transformative plan for schools — 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗰, giving 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝗖𝗦𝗘𝘀 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀, and re-centring creativity in every child’s education.

The report recommends a 𝘁𝗲𝗻-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘂𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 to keep education relevant and future-ready.

As Professor Becky Francis writes:

“A ten-year cycle balances stability and responsiveness, allowing time for changes to bed in.”

But this must be more than a recommendation — it must be 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱.
Without it, the arts remain vulnerable to the whims of political cycles.

This moment offers a long-overdue correction — and so much to celebrate for the visual arts:

Equal status for arts GCSEs
Visual literacy is recognised as civic literacy
A new National Centre for Arts & Music Education
Stronger creative skills pipeline
Commitment to inclusion and access

𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 — 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.

A bold new future for creative education.

Today’s Government Curriculum Review marks a huge step forward — scrapping the EBacc and giving arts GCSEs equal status alongside humanities and languages.

This means creativity is back where it belongs — at the heart of every child’s education.

The creation of a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education, alongside clearer expectations in art, drama, and design, will help re-energise the creative curriculum and support teachers nationwide.

The visual arts build not just imagination, but visual literacy — helping young people read the world around them, spot misinformation, and think critically.

At CVAN, we celebrate this moment as a turning point for access, inclusion and the future of creativity — and we’ll be watching closely for more news on the Centre and next steps.

👉 Read the full review: [link in bio]
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/curriculum-and-assessment-review-final-report

Bring your ideas, experiences and solidarity to a collective moment of visioning and movement-building.

The UK Visual Arts Support Ecology Summit brings together artists, organisations, unions and advocates to explore the pressing issues shaping the UK visual arts sector - from studio sustainability and fair pay to hidden labour, AI and copyright. 🌐

Hosted by @frankfairartistpay, @cvanetwork, @anartistsinfo and @dacsforartists, the summit will explore how we can build a more equitable arts ecology together.

Focused breakout sessions 💻:
• Affordable studios and artist livelihoods with CVAN
• Hidden labour and fair pay with FRANK, DASH & SCAN
• Paying Artists: Towards standard rates with a-n
• AI & Copyright with DACS & @beverley.hood.studio (@braid__uk)

Find tickets via the link in our bios 🔗🎟️

Bring your ideas, experiences and solidarity to a collective moment of visioning and movement-building.

The UK Visual Arts Support Ecology Summit brings together artists, organisations, unions and advocates to explore the pressing issues shaping the UK visual arts sector - from studio sustainability and fair pay to hidden labour, AI and copyright. 🌐

Hosted by @frankfairartistpay, @cvanetwork, @anartistsinfo and @dacsforartists, the summit will explore how we can build a more equitable arts ecology together.

Focused breakout sessions 💻:
• Affordable studios and artist livelihoods with CVAN
• Hidden labour and fair pay with FRANK, DASH & SCAN
• Paying Artists: Towards standard rates with a-n
• AI & Copyright with DACS & @beverley.hood.studio (@braid__uk)

Find tickets via the link in our bios 🔗🎟️

For the second year in a row, we partnered with @cvanetwork to invite 22 curators from across the UK for a special visit to Frieze London. We spent a fantastic day at the fair yesterday, exploring the booths and Frieze Sculpture.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to @friezeofficial for making the visit possible.

And a big thanks to @tenthmusevodka for the perfect finish to the day 🍸

For the second year in a row, we partnered with @cvanetwork to invite 22 curators from across the UK for a special visit to Frieze London. We spent a fantastic day at the fair yesterday, exploring the booths and Frieze Sculpture.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to @friezeofficial for making the visit possible.

And a big thanks to @tenthmusevodka for the perfect finish to the day 🍸

For the second year in a row, we partnered with @cvanetwork to invite 22 curators from across the UK for a special visit to Frieze London. We spent a fantastic day at the fair yesterday, exploring the booths and Frieze Sculpture.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to @friezeofficial for making the visit possible.

And a big thanks to @tenthmusevodka for the perfect finish to the day 🍸