AA2A’s Creative Futures online seminars bring experts and artists together to explore the skills you need to succeed. Exploring themes including starting your own business and managing finances to understanding selling and marketing, these interactive sessions give you the chance to ask questions and dive deep into what matters most.

New this year:  When you sign up, you’ll be asked to suggest topics about working in the creative industries for this year’s seminars. Tell us what sparks your curiosity and we’ll turn your ideas into this year’s programme. What would you love to hear more about? 

Register for our upcoming seminars here

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Seminar #1 -  You already think like an artist. Now think like a business.

Tuesday 25th Nov 2025 1.30-2.30pm

Panellists: Khadija Cecile Niang, Taaryn Brench

Day one to year one: you’ve finished your arts degree - what now? Hear real-world advice and practical tips from people who’ve been there, from finding your first opportunities and keeping the motivation alive, to managing money, navigating workspace, making social media work for you and connecting with your community.

Seminar #2 - Working for other people: what type of jobs are out there, where to find them and how to stand out

Tuesday 27th Jan 2.00-2.30pm

Panellist - Mark Smith (Executive Director of Axis)

Seminar #3 - Working for yourself: self-employment, setting up a small business, collaborations - how and why

Tuesday 10th Feb 2.00-2.30pm

Panellist - Charlie Collins

Seminar #4 - What kind of opportunities are out there for artists: residencies, commissions, exhibitions, fellowships, further study and more

Tuesday 24th Feb 2.00-2.30pm

Panellist - Sophie Nowakowska

Seminar #5 - Talking about yourself and selling your work: social media, websites, sales platforms and building your brand

Tuesday 10th March 2.00-2.30pm

Panellist - Jessica Grady

If you are a student at a current AA2A host university/college and would like access to the recordings of any of our previous seminars, fill out this short form. Topics include:

• Am I an artist yet? Networking, collaboration and work/life balance for arts students & graduates
• How do I sell my work when I’m not a salesperson? Marketing, personal brand and online sales?
• How do I manage projects when life is so hectic? Funding your creative projects and project management
• Do I need to be good at maths to run my own business? Setting up a creative business