We’re gearing up for next month’s Future Now: The Aesthetica Art Prize Symposium, taking place on Thursday 26 May and Friday 27 May at York St John University. The inaugural event is a place for an exchange of ideas, offering support, talent development and networking opportunities to those working in the sector or with an interest in contemporary art and culture. With a total of 18 sessions, including panel discussions, lectures, portfolio reviews and screenings, there’s plenty of choice for a wide range of creatives.
We highlight three sessions, which cover the themes of print, painting and art prizes, held on day one of the symposium. Speakers include representatives from Frieze Magazine, Suitcase Magazine, It’s Nice That, Glasgow School of Art, Hepworth Wakefield, Lumen Prize, Jerwood Foundation, Whitechapel Gallery and York Museums Trust.
Session 4: The Permanence of Print: Part 1
13:00 – 14:15, 26 May, Fountains Lecture Theatre
With Instagram and citizen journalism playing such a major role in disseminating information, this panel will reflect on the power of the art press in the digital age, and assess the impact of new marketing aids such as social media on the popularity of print. Focusing on key issues of our times, this session reflects upon major trends transforming the current state of play. Speakers for Part 1 include Rosalind Furness, Frieze Magazine; Emily Gosling, Deputy Editor/Online Editor, It’s Nice That; and Sebastian Bland, Creative Director, Suitcase Magazine.
Session 5: Contemporary Painting: Traversing Conventional Boundaries
15:15 – 16:30, 26 May, De Grey Lecture Theatre
Dr Alistair Payne, Head of the School of Fine Art atThe Glasgow School of Art, offers 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.
Session 6: Discovering Creativity: Art Prize Recognition, Exposure and Progression Routes
16:45 – 18:00, 26 May, De Grey Lecture Theatre
How do art prizes help artists to progress their careers? The panel will discuss the power of the art prize in identifying the work of talented practitioners, and bringing their creativity to the fore. It offers an insight into the significance of awards in the art world. Speakers include Eleanor Clayton, Curator, Hepworth Wakefield; Carla Rapoport, Director and Founder, Lumen Prize; Shonagh Manson, Jerwood Foundation; Daniel F. Herrmann, Curator, Whitechapel Gallery; and Selina Oakes, Aesthetica Art Prize. Chaired by Reyahn King, Chief Executive, York Museums Trust / formerJohn Moore’s Prize Judge.
One-Day and Two-Day Passes are available. Both include free access to the Thursday Night Networking Party at 1331. Entry valid with pass.
To book your sessions and order your pass, visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/art-prize/symposium/#sessions or call 01904 629 137.
Travel to Future Now: The Aesthetica Art Prize Symposium in York with Virgin Trains.
Credits
1. Jo McGonigal. Longlisted artist in the Aesthetica Art Prize 2016. Courtesy of the artist.