Session 1: Breaking New Ground: Photography in the Digital Age

This panel discussed today’s digital age of technological convenience, where many artists opt for digital manipulation in conjunction with, or instead of, analogue photography. Speakers included David Drake, Director, Ffotogallery and Diffusion Photography Festival; Professor Olivier Richon, Head of Programme, Photography, Royal College of Art; Richard Page, Head of Photography, Manchester Metropolitan University; Anne Braybon, former Photography Commissions Manager, National Portrait Gallery. Chaired by James Smith, Course Leader Photography and Senior Lecturer, Norwich University of the Arts.

Image: Lam Pok Yin Jeff & Chong Ng, The Untimely Apparatus of Two Amateur Photographers

Session 2: Taking the Risk: Acclimatising Audiences to New Practices

A discussion with four of this year’s Aesthetica Art Prize finalists who are working across various media, including light and colour; architecture and installation, calling into question value systems and investigating the way we interact with contemporary art. In this panel, audiences heard directly from the artists about what it means to be working in today’s contemporary art landscape as emerging and mid-career practitioners, offering unique insight into their practice. The artists included Liz West (Shifting Luminosity); James Winter (Usurp – Spatial Light Construct 003); Rachel Ara (This Much I’m Worth); and David Hochgatterer (Time To X). Chaired by Professor Michael White, History of Art, University of York.

Image: Liz West, Shifting Luminosity

Session 3: Artists’ Film and the Moving Image: The Crossover Between Practice & Cinema

Aesthetica Art Prize shortlisted artist Andrea Luka Zimmerman, lecturer at Central St Martins and nominee for the Jarman Award and winner of the ArtAngel Open Award, spoke in conversation with Maggie Ellis, Head of Artists’ Moving Image at Film London, about the evolution that is occurring in artists’ film as it defies categorisation through adaptation of more cinematic practices. Working at the intersection of public and private memory, Zimmerman uses fiction and documentary devices to challenge official histories, marginalisation and political, social and economic violence.

Image: Andrea Luka Zimmerman, Estate: A Reverie

Session 4:
The Permanence of Print: Part 1

With Instagram and citizen journalism playing such a major role in disseminating information, this panel reflected on the power of the art press in the digital age, and assessed the impact of new marketing aids such as social media on the popularity of print. Focusing on key issues of our times, this session reflected upon major trends transforming the current state of play. Speakers for Part 1 included Rosalind Furness, Frieze Magazine; Emily Gosling, Deputy Editor/Online Editor, It’s Nice That; Sebastian Bland, Creative Director, Suitcase Magazine; and Fin Murphy, Don’t Panic. Chaired by Alec Charles, Head of Media, University of Chester.

Session 5: Contemporary Painting: Traversing Conventional Boundaries

Dr Alistair Payne, Head of the School of Fine Art at The Glasgow School of Art, offered a new perspective on the potential of painting in the modern age, highlighting its current interdisciplinary status. A fine artist and critical author, the exploration of painting’s interdisciplinary potential has influenced Dr Payne’s work throughout his career; in 2008 he published the book Painting as an Interdisciplinary Form, and in 2013 his book chapter The Virtual and Interdisciplinarity was published through IGI Global. He has also exhibited widely throughout the UK and in the USA and has organised numerous painting conferences.

Image: Jennifer López Ayala, Draw the Line

Session 6: Discovering Creativity: Art Prize Recognition, Exposure and Progression Routes

How do art prizes help artists to progress their careers? The panel discussed the power of the art prize in identifying the work of talented practitioners, and bringing their creativity to the fore. It offered an insight into the significance of awards in the art world. Speakers included Eleanor Clayton, Curator, Hepworth Wakefield; Carla Rapoport, Director and Founder, Lumen Prize; Shonagh Manson, Jerwood Foundation; Daniel F. Herrmann, Curator Maxmara Art Prize, Whitechapel Gallery; and Selina Oakes, Aesthetica Art Prize. Chaired by Reyahn King, Chief Executive, York Museums Trust / former John Moore’s Painting Prize Judge.

Image: Adriana Salazar, Moving Plants

Special Event
Networking Party

An excellent opportunity to network with other symposium delegates and attendees, the Networking Party took place in 1331 Bar and Restaurant. Located in York’s vibrant Latin Quarter, 1331 is a go-to place, where you can connect with friends old and new in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This was an opportunity to connect with those who are shaping the art world today, building a contacts list. This was the perfect place for one-to-one conversations, connecting with speakers, artists and audiences to enhance your experience of the Future Now: Aesthetica Art Prize Symposium. Free with Symposium pass.

Special Event
Film Screenings

Film screenings at the Aesthetica Art Prize Symposium were an opportunity for attendees to experience the shortlisted and longlisted artist film works in a cinema context. The film screening programme included Andrea Luka Zimmerman's shortlisted feature-length documentary Estate: A Reverie, Ruben van Leer's longlisted work Symmetry and a specially curated selection of films from the BAFTA Qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF). These were experimental films from the 2015 edition of ASFF.

Click the following links to view screening information for Thursday's film screenings:
Estate, A Reverie – 17:00
Aesthetica Art Prize Showcase Screening – 18:30
ASFF Showcase Screening – 19:30.

Image: Diana Olifrova, Mirror

Special Event
Portfolio Review Sessions

These Portfolio Review Sessions were designed for practitioners working across all media, including drawing and painting, photography and digital art, sculpture, design and three-dimensional art, video, installation and performance. Here artists had the opportunity to book a slot with industry experts who gave them essential advice and guidance either on their current practice, or their career progression opportunities. This was a unique chance for artists to develop work and find out about new ways to expand their practice.

Click the following links to view the reviewers at Thursday's Portfolio Review Sessions:
Reviewers at Session 1 – 10:00 - 11:00
Reviewers at Session 2 – 13:00 - 14:00
Reviewers at Session 3 – 16:00 - 17:00

Session 7:
Curating for the Future: A Collaborative Approach

In recent years, galleries have had to develop new models for sustainability. This session looked at how galleries are devising new strategies for developing audiences, particularly in an age where technology signifies a new set of business models. Speakers included Sarah Brown, Programme Curator, Leeds Art Gallery; Tim Corum, Director of Curatorial and Public Engagement, Horniman Museum and Gardens; and Remco de Blaaij, Senior Curator, Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), Glasgow; and Zoe Sawyer, Curator, The Tetley. Chaired by Dr Steven Gartside, Curator and Research Fellow, Holden Gallery.

Image: Laurence Harding, Emilie, 2013

Session 8:
Fuelling Creativity: Funding and Commissions

Fuelling Creativity: Funding and Commissions highlighted the importance of nationwide and international funding opportunities and commissions to support artists, filmmakers and creative organisations in the realisation of their ideas. It also discussed how these enable practitioners to bring their activities to wider audiences. Speakers included Denise Fahmy, Relationship Manager, Visual Arts, Arts Council England; and Roxy McKenna, Creative Industries Manager, Northern Film and Media; and Ian Fenton, Producer, Random Acts Network Centre North. Chaired by Adrian Friedli, Yorkshire & Humber Visual Arts Network.

Image: Pere Ibañez, Aeon

Session 9: The Future of Art and Culture: Talent Development and Responsibility

Art and culture play an essential role in our lives and their future is of paramount importance. In this session, Dani Burrows, Director of Strategy at the Delfina Foundation, pinpoint edthe duties that organisations have to safeguard the future of art and culture through talent development. Drawing on specialist experience, Burrows highlighted the value of nurture and support for creative individuals emerging in the art industry and commented on the current status of arts opportunities in the UK, which aid the development of the next generation of talented creative practitioners. Hosted by Vanessa Corby, Senior Lecturer, Fine Art, York St John University.

Image: Anna Coburn, Reflections in Blue

Session 10:
The Permanence of Print: Part II

The digital age has rocked publishing worldwide – magazines have come and gone, while newspapers have seen a steady decline in circulation since 2007, with one national paper ceasing print in March 2016. With 5G just around the corner and nearly everyone glued to their iPhones, what is the future for independent publishing and the art press at large? How will it survive the changing times? Speakers included Julia Michalska, The Art Newspaper; Lee Taylor, Flux; Susanna Davies-Crook, Journalist & Contributing Editor, Dazed & Confused, Sleek, and Thisistomorrow; and Kate Simpson, Aesthetica. Chaired by Jenny Kean, Head of Programme, Media Production, York St John University.

Session 11: Defining the Value of Art: Economic and Societal Impact

Rosie Cooper, Head of Programmes at Liverpool Biennial talked about the value of art in today’s commodity driven society, and its profound role in promoting a healthy creative economy and society. The Biennial is surveyed as a case study in connection with recent developments in the city. £20.7 million was generated for Liverpool in 2014 and 877,000 visitors came to the city to see art from across the world, with the Biennial taking place in public spaces and galleries. What can we learn from this outstanding example of a major international art event and its impact on a place?

Image: Carlos Cruz-Diez, Induction Chromatique à Double Fréquence pour l’Edmund Gardner Ship / Liverpool. Paris, 2014. Photograph by Mark McNulty.

Session 12: Innovation in the Making: Technological and Design Advancements

David Freer and John O’Shea discussed the evolution of contemporary practices and analyse the increase in digital art works as technology becomes more accessible, more powerful and readily available. As the materials are changing and artists are producing works that reflect the current state of play, the line between fine art and media is becoming even more blurred. Speakers included David Freer, O Street / External Creative Consultant, Institute of Design Innovation, Glasgow School of Art and John O’Shea, Senior Exhibitions Manager, National Media Museum. Hosted by Warren Fearn, Head of Programme BA Design, York St John University.

Image: Squidsoup, Aeolian Light

Session 13: The Symbiotic Relationship Between Public and Private Galleries

This panel identified the key differences between private and public galleries, and how they both compete and work together to build a healthy, diverse art market. This relationship is key in terms of how both institutions are fundamental in building artists' careers. Speakers included Sophie Hall, Director, Flowers Gallery; Agnieszka Prendota, Creative Director, Arusha Gallery; Kirstie Hamilton, Head of Exhibitions and Display, Museums Sheffield; Stephanie Bush, Programme and Production Manager, Zabludowicz Collection; and Dr Steven Gartside, Curator and Research Fellow, Holden Gallery. Chaired by Dr James Boaden, Lecturer, History of Art, University of York.

Image: Attilio Fiumarella, The 100 Swimmers

Special Event
Film Screenings

Film screenings at the Aesthetica Art Prize Symposium were an opportunity for attendees to experience the shortlisted and longlisted artist film works in a cinema context. The film screening programme included Andrea Luka Zimmerman's shortlisted feature-length documentary Estate: A Reverie, Ruben van Leer's longlisted work Symmetry and a specially curated selection of films from the BAFTA Qualifying Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF). These were experimental films from the 2015 edition of ASFF.

Click the following links to view screening information for Friday's film screenings:
Symmetry and Symmetry Unravelled – 19:30
ASFF Showcase Screening – 17:00
Aesthetica Art Prize Showcase Screening – 18:15

Image: Alex Warren and Tobias Ross-Southall, Eleanor

Special Event
Portfolio Review Sessions

These Portfolio Review Sessions were designed for practitioners working across all media, including drawing and painting, photography and digital art, sculpture, design and three-dimensional art, video, installation and performance. Here artists had the opportunity to book a slot with industry experts who gave them essential advice and guidance either on their current practice, or their career progression opportunities. This was a unique chance for artists to develop work and find out about new ways to expand their practice.

Click the following links to view the reviewers at Friday's Portfolio Review Sessions:
Reviewers at Session 4 – 10:00 - 11:00
Reviewers at Session 5 – 13:00 - 14:00