Welcome to the EXPANSION ACCELERATOR
We are delighted to welcome you to this transformative programme. The EXPANSION ACCELERATOR is more than just a course; it’s a carefully designed 12-week journey aimed at elevating your creative practice to new levels.
Throughout this programme, you'll receive expert guidance, essential tools, and insights, all while being supported by a dynamic network of peers. Our approach is divided into three key phases: understanding your artistic goals, developing a strategic plan to enhance your work, and taking practical steps to increase your visibility and impact.
On this page, you will find everything you need to navigate the programme effectively:
Programme Information: Insights into what to expect and how to maximise your 12 weeks, along with links to pre-recorded sessions from the school’s resource library for your reference.
Access to Recordings: Review sessions details, replays and resources at your convenience.
1-to-1 Booking Links: Arrange your personal coaching and mentoring sessions.
Participant Information: Connect with your Expansion peers and explore their work.
We’re excited to support you throughout this journey and look forward to seeing the remarkable progress you’ll achieve.
Let’s bring your work into the spotlight it deserves.
KEY DATES
JANUARY: Self Awareness
Orientation Meeting: Group Activity
Time: 17:00 - 18:30 GMT (5 - 6.30pm UK time)
Date: Friday 3rd January 2025
Overview: In this 90-minute orientation, Natasha will introduce the Expansion Accelerator programme, including key details about roles, communication, and the programme webpage. You’ll also meet Eleanor, your programme coach, engage in a breakout session and group activity focused on collaboration and networking, and have the opportunity to ask questions before wrapping up with next steps.
COACH SESSION: 1 to 1
Overcoming Personal Barriers
BOOK HERE
Focus: Eleanor will work with you to identify and overcome personal barriers such as self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and discomfort with self-promotion. This session aims to build self-confidence and self-awareness, empowering you to get prepared to try new ways.
WORKSHOP: Group Activity
Evolving Your Practice: Refining and Analysing
Time: 12:00 - 15:00 GMT (12 - 3pm UK time)
Date: Wednesday 8th January 2025
Overview: Engage in a self-reflective process to evaluate your current artistic practice, presentation, working values, and what has been effective or challenging. Identify sources of support and define your ideal audience and client. We will then workshop and analyse case studies of artists' trajectories to uncover insights and develop personalised roadmaps to achieve your goals.
MENTORSHIP SESSION: 1 to 1
Personal Artistic Journey & Project Review
BOOK HERE
Focus: This session will focus on helping you gain clarity on your strengths, challenges, and how past experiences have shaped the dissemination of your work. The session will also include a review of ongoing or completed projects, offering insights on refining and integrating them into a cohesive narrative to disseminate.
CRITS:
Facilitate peer crit sessions with Natasha Caruana. In these two-hour sessions, four artists will each have 30 minutes to present their work and progress to receive feedback. Please prepare to screen-share your work and ask targeted questions. Use these crits to refine your practice and strengthen your projects.
Wednesday 22nd January 10:00 - 11:30 & 12:00 - 14:00
Friday 24th January 12:00 - 14:00
FEBRUARY: Strategy
WORKSHOP: Group Activity
Strategies for Expanding Your Artistic Reach
Time: 10:00 - 13:00 GMT (10 - 1pm UK time)
Date: Thursday 6th February 2025
Overview: This workshop will develop tailored strategies for promoting your work, reaching target audiences, whilst navigating and building key supporters. It will cover creating effective marketing plans, identifying the right audiences, and building systems to get your work out there.
MENTORSHIP SESSION: 1 to 1
Strategic Planning & Portfolio Review
BOOK HERE
Focus: You will work to develop a strategic plan for promoting your work, refining goals, looking at marginal gains, and creating a clear roadmap. Additionally, you will receive feedback on your portfolio, to curate and present work that aligns with your strategic objectives.
CRITS:
Facilitate peer crit sessions with Natasha Caruana. In these two-hour sessions, four artists will each have 30 minutes to present their work and progress to receive feedback. Please prepare to screen-share your work and ask targeted questions. Use these crits to refine your practice and strengthen your projects.
Wednesday 19th February 10:00 - 11:30 & 12:00 - 14:00
Friday 21st February 120:00 - 14:00
COACH SESSION: 1 to 1
Goal Setting and Accountability
BOOK HERE
Focus: You will set specific, measurable goals related to your strategy and establish accountability measures to ensure progress. This session will focus on breaking down larger goals into manageable steps and creating a framework to lay a foundation for consistent action.
MARCH: Action
COACH SESSION: 1 to 1
Implementation and Momentum
BOOK HERE
Focus: You will be supported to take action on your strategic plan, addressing any challenges or obstacles that arise. This session will focus on maintaining momentum, adapting to changes, and ensuring that you are on track to achieve their goals. Eleanor will also help with stress management and time management techniques to keep you focused and productive beyond the programme.
WORKSHOP: Group Activity
Building Bridges: Networking and Community
Time: 10:00 - 13:00 GMT (10am - 1pm UK time)
Date: Friday 7 March 2025
Overview: In this action-oriented workshop, you will learn practical steps for building and strengthening your networks. We will have a guest expert visiting to discuss effective PR, and we will look at what action is needed to create an effective and sustainable community around your work.
CRITS:
Facilitate peer crit sessions with Natasha Caruana. In these two-hour sessions, four artists will each have 30 minutes to present their work and progress to receive feedback. Please prepare to screen-share your work and ask targeted questions. Use these crits to refine your practice and strengthen your projects.
Wednesday 19th March 10:00 - 11:30 & 12:00 - 14:00
Friday 21st March 12:00 - 14:00
MENTORSHIP SESSION: 1 to 1
Networking and Outreach
BOOK HERE
Focus: You will receive personalised advice on strengthening professional relationships, making introductions, and effective networking strategies. The session will also include guidance on approaching exhibitions and presenting your work effectively in various settings.
In-person event?
PRESENTATIONS & RECORDINGS
ORIENTATION SESSION
JANUARY - SELF AWARENESS
FEBRUARY - STRATEGY
MARCH - ACTION
Example workshops from the Resources Library
Here is a list of past workshop recordings from our Resources Library to help you disseminate your work effectively
Mentorship 077 - Getting Published and Commissioned - Emma Bowkett
Mentorship 034 - Building a relationship with a Gallery - Catherine Couturier Gallery
Mentorship 031 - Building an artist profile for longevity with a gallery - Frederick McDonald
Mentorship 030 - Daily Practice for Visibility - Gosia Walton
