a-n’s professional development programme in London in partnership with Bow Arts’ Bow Skills.

“I’m not happy with the offer but I don’t want to lose out on an exhibition”, “I want the commission but I’m not happy with paying all of the costs”, “a buyer wants to negotiate on the price of a work and I don’t know how to deal with the situation”, “there’s a huge elephant in the room …”, “is there a hidden agenda?”.

Familiar story? a-n's new workshop has been specifically designed to help artists negotiate with confidence. It forms part of a-n's ongoing commitment to providing practical support for artists. This workshop responds to two years of consultation through the Paying Artists campaign where lack of confidence and training in how to negotiate was identified as a barrier to fair payment.

This pilot one-day workshop with Rivca Rubin will assist you to:

• gain clarity around motivations, expectations and outcomes
• create optimal conditions to communicate
• explore the impact of positive non-threatening language and action
• remain calm and clear, and without fear or frustration tactfully challenge what you disagree with
• know how to find common ground
• conduct meetings that are to the point, and lead to mutually agreeable terms and outcomes

The training will also:

• signpost to recent research by a-n and the Paying Artists Campaign
• the learning will take place through facilitated group exploration, peer review and practice
• be accompanied by an interactive resource manual, which will support your further learning beyond the day

About a-n
The workshop is brought to you by a-n, the largest artists membership organisation in the UK with 21,000 members. We support artists and those who work with them in many practical ways, acting on behalf of our membership and the visual arts sector to improve artists' livelihoods. We have a reputation for providing compelling insights and playing a catalytic role in influencing and informing cultural policy. We offer a range of memberships for artists, organisations, students and higher education. By being a part of a-n you not only benefit from the nuts and bolts of the tools, guides, insurance, bursaries, jobs and opportunities, events and resources we provide but you also lend your voice and weight to the advocacy work we carry out on behalf of the sector. This event forms part of a-n's professional development programme.

About Bow Skills

Bow Arts seeks to support artists at all stages of their career. In 2015 Bow Arts launched Bow Skills Lab in response to an artist survey which showed over 90% of practicing artists find it useful to receive further support outside formal education.

Bow Skills is a dynamic and relevant programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) open to artists across London and is led by a Bow Artists’ steering group and constantly informed by artist feedback. These events are also open to the public.

Contact rmurdoch@bowarts.com if you would like to receive more information about the programme.

About Rivca Rubin
Rivca Rubin is a highly experienced trainer and a behavioural scientist linguist with an M.Sc. whose approach is ‘to engage and assist individuals and organisations to address their circumstances and issues with a focus on solving, resolving and evolving.’ During a career that spans more than 30 years, primarily working in the arts, cultural and educational sectors, she has acquired techniques, theories and tools from a variety of the most successful methodologies including Clean Coaching, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and a range of Behavioural Change and Systems Theories. To these she has added her own brand of creative enquiry…and humour. She coaches and mentors artists and cultural leaders individually, and on Clore and engage’s Extend Leadership Programmes. She has worked with The British Film Institute & Regional Screen Agencies, designed and delivered leadership training for the BBC, and works with many arts organisations, museums, galleries, artist networks, cultural and educational institutions. A former performing artist, producer, and CPD provider for emerging artists, now working internationally, with developing countries and with different cultures and religions, she has shaped a versatile, empathic approach that enables her to be at ease working across many arenas.

“It felt like several little light bulbs in dark corners of my brain were being switched on. The course will help you to better understand others, deal with conflict, be more assertive ……. and find your place in life and work. Highly recommended.” - Si Waite, Artist and Musician, on Rivca's workshop

Who is the session for

This event is aimed at visual artists and arts organisers at all career stages.

The day Includes coffee, tea and soft drinks but lunch is not included. Participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch.

Cancellation policy
If you are unable to attend the session please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer the place to someone else. Please note that refunds will only be given if we are notified at least one week before the event is due to take place.