Coming up in 2026

In early Spring last year, we undertook a Network review with our 36 partners across the South East. We asked them about their priorities and how they felt CVAN South East could best support artists, artworkers and organisations.

As a result, in 2026 we aim to develop the connectivity of our partner network with artists in the region. We will produce a baseline free artist membership offer for resources, networking and opportunities and we will be continuing our bimonthly Neurodivergent Peer Group for artworkers.

Now in it’s 15th year, the 2026 Platform Graduate Award will show approximately 30 graduates from 13 universities across four exhibition partner venues. Four final awardees will each receive a bursary and six-months of mentoring support. By listening to the artists and mentors, we are continuing to review and refine the Award and how best to support artists at the start of their careers.

We will continue to strengthen our network of partners across the region with updates and discussion on relevant topics such as devolution and local government reorganisation. In addition we will continue our twice yearly peer support meetings for Comms staff across our network in order to share and develop best practice and we’re excited to be working towards re-establishing a curator network for the South East.

Building on last year’s successful reinstatement of our in-person annual Network meeting, we will again bring partners together at the end of the year for a one-day programme emphasising sector support, exchange and collaboration.

Across England, our regional partners are delivering mentoring, bursaries, artist development, research, and cross-sector collaborations that respond directly to local needs. From new digital commissions and artist-led programmes to micro-bursaries, networks, directories and advocacy, the work is building stronger infrastructure and more resilient support for artists and arts workers.

Together, our nine regions are shaping a connected national ecology, sharing knowledge, championing equity, and creating opportunities for artists to thrive.

Read the full round-up here