From Entry to Exposure: Making the Most of Art Prize Platforms

From Entry to Exposure: Making the Most of Art Prize Platforms
11th February | 13:00 GMT | Free Online Event

Join the Visual Artists Association and the Visual Art Open for a panel discussion designed to help artists make the most of prize platforms at every stage of the journey. Whether you’re applying for the first time or looking to convert recognition into meaningful opportunities, this session will guide you through practical strategies for using prize entries to build momentum.

Our expert panel will share insights on:

• Making each art prize entry meaningful by using the process to grow your audience and connections
• Building lasting relationships with prize teams, judges and partner organisations
• Turning prize recognition: shortlisted, finalist or winner – into tangible outcomes
• Understanding what prize platforms look for and aligning submissions to position your work effectively
• How to efficiently keep track of the awards you’ve applied for

Speakers:

Laura O’Hare is responsible for leading the artistic and business development at VAA. Laura has been working in the Fine Arts sector since 2012 and is a founder of the VAA. Presently, Director of the Visual Art Open Prize, the Professional Artist Award and the International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize. Laura has a wealth of experience in managing relationships with artists and understanding their needs. Laura has an extensive network including arts organisations, galleries, publishers and commercial partners. Laura has helped hundreds of artists figure out how to thrive at all stages of their fine art careers. Prior to working in the arts industry, Laura was a solicitor specialising in Employment Law for over 15 years.

Rebekah Balshaw (she/her) is a curator, artist, Director of Short Supply and a dedicated creative producer with a strong track record in project management, audience engagement, and community-led practice. With a background in visual arts Rebekah has built her career supporting artists and audiences who face systemic barriers to participation in the arts. In her previous role as Learning & Engagement Coordinator at With-you, she specialised in delivering inclusive, responsive programmes that empowered people through peer-support. Rebekah brings a unique blend of administrative precision and empathetic leadership, making her an invaluable force in shaping and delivering Short Supply’s innovative, artist-first projects.

Li Hao is a contemporary artist whose work explores the relationship between the individual and the collective through mirrored environments, transparent materials, light, and interactive technology. Originally trained as an architect, he graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in 2008 before transitioning fully into artistic practice in 2016. His installations are rooted in narrative, perception, and shared human experience — inviting audiences into reflective spaces where identity, community, and self-awareness converge. Li Hao also leads Program SPARK, an award-winning socially engaged public art initiative created with left-behind children and rural communities across China. The project combines industrial materials with local cultural languages to address social issues such as educational equity and has received major accolades including the International Award for Public Art (Asia and Southeast Asia) and the iF Social Impact Prize. Li Hao’s works have been exhibited widely across China, including at the Inside-Out Art Museum (Beijing), Art Hengsha Island (Shanghai), and Glow Shenzhen. Li is the overall winner of the Visual Art Open 2025 Award.

Shirley-Ann, founder of VAA, is a seasoned arts director and curator with over 20 years of experience working with creatives. She is the co-author of the internationally bestselling art business books ‘Good Art Does Not Sell Itself’ and ‘Securing Representation.’ Her passion for global artist outreach and discovering new talent is evident in her curated exhibitions, which have been showcased on BBC, Sky News, and International New York Times. Shirley-Ann leads the Visual Art Open Prize and VAA Artist of the Year Awards, driving the VAA CPD & mentorship programme with courses on Art Curation & Exhibition Management, Art Sales Academy, and Artist Momentum. She has previously served on the selection committee for the Other Art Fair London by Saatchi Art and currently hosts the popular new art podcast, Art Insider.

Kristine Nason is a multidisciplinary artist based in the south of England, whose career spans equestrian art, portraiture, illustration, and contemporary oil painting. Beginning as a young equine artist, she later worked in fine-art publishing before establishing herself as a successful watercolourist and educator, earning full membership of both the Society of Women Artists and the Society of Equestrian Artists. Since 2020, her practice has expanded into expressive oil painting, navigating between equestrian subjects and semi-abstract narrative works inspired by her family’s Ghanaian heritage and her life in coastal Accra. Through themes of identity, belonging, and cultural memory, her work brings dynamic energy and emotional depth to each subject. Kristine exhibits widely across National Art Societies and has received numerous accolades.

The Women in Art initiative seeks to promote and support the visibility, representation, and contributions of women in the art world. This movement addresses historical imbalances and advocates for greater inclusion of female artists, curators, and critics in exhibitions, galleries, and art institutions.

Key aspects of the initiative often include:

Exhibitions and Showcases**: Organising exhibitions that specifically highlight the work of women artists, showcasing their diverse perspectives and contributions.

Educational Programs**: Offering workshops, lectures, and panel discussions aimed at raising awareness about the challenges women face in the art world and promoting their achievements.

Mentorship and Networking**: Creating opportunities for emerging female artists to connect with established figures in the art community, fostering support and collaboration.

Research and Advocacy**: Conducting studies and publishing reports on gender disparities in the art world to inform policies and practices that promote equity.

Overall, the Women in Art initiative aims to create a more inclusive and equitable art landscape, celebrating the vital role women play in shaping artistic expression and cultural dialogue.

They hold a yearly annual award for women artists @womeninartprize_ which opens on the 8th March for international women’s day www.womeninartprize.com

This relaxed, insight-packed conversation is ideal for artists at any stage who want to develop a stronger, more strategic approach to art prizes.

Please ensure you book your place in advance. For any questions, just email us at events@visual-artists.org