For recent graduates and artists at the beginning of their careers, thissession will look at opportunities and practical approaches to developing your career as a professional artist. Presentations will cover developing exhibition and project proposals, making the most of residency and commissioning briefs, working in public arts and developing artist- initiated opportunities plus funding schemes available. Surgery sessions are available for anyone wanting individual advice from any of the speakers and must be booked in advance. For more information please phone Kath Welford or John Murray on 0161 228 7621.Speakers:Kathy Rae Huffman, Director of Visual Arts, CornerhouseCathy Newbery, Project Manager, Commissions in the EnvironmentAndrea Hawkins, Visual Arts Officer, North West ArtsKaren Guthrie, Artist and co-founder of Somewhere, an artist’s collaborationThis is a free event but tickets must be booked in advance from Box Office.Schedule:6.00 – 6.10pm Refreshments.6.10 – 6.30pm Kathy Rae Huffman, Director of Visual Arts, Cornerhouse.From a curator’s perspective, how should artists be presenting themselves to institutions and curators; how to identify appropropriate venues to work with and create exhibition possibilities of your own. Kathy will also be offering insight into how curators select artists for curated shows and the different contexts in which artists work can be seen and selected.6.30 – 6.50pm Karen Guthrie, Artist and co-founder of Somewhere.How to lead on artist-initiated projects and make your own opportunities for exhibition and creation of new work; looking at collaborations, applying for funding and promotion. Karen will give a background to Somewhere, an artists collaboration, using it as a case study for issues around artist-initiated projects.6.50 – 7.20pm Cathy Newbery, Project Manager, Commissions in the Environment.Cathy has been involved with the Irwell Sculpture Trail and the First Out Bursary which is an annual commissioning scheme for graduates. Cathy will be discussing the different commissioning schemes for artists, particularly in the context of regeneration and community. With experience of what commissioning panels are looking for in a proposal, Cathy will elaborate on practical issues such as how to analyse a commissioning or residency brief, preparing an artist’s statement and proposal preparation.7.20 – 7.40pm Andrea Hawkins, Visual Arts Officer, North West ArtsProviding an overview of funding schemes at North West Arts, Andrea will help to navigate the different opportunities and make practical suggestions in how to secure funding and support for artists projects.7.40 – 7.45pm Refreshments7.45 – 8.45pm Surgery Sessions (Please book in advance to avoid disappointment)A Professional Development Pack is available as part of this event.Surgery Sessions for ArtistsSurgery sessions of 15 minutes each are available after the presentation with Kathy Rae Huffman, Cathy Newbery and Andrea Hawkins. The first session will be at 7.45pm and the final one at 8.30pm.Kathy Rae Huffman is interested in talking to artists with a specific concept in mind, such as an exhibition or commission proposal, a concept for a public art work or an on-line project. Bring work samples, CV, budget or funding ideas for discussion. Feasibility and viability will be carefully considered.Cathy Newbery can discuss ideas for public art projects or commissions, give ideas and contacts for how to take your ideas further and which organisations would be relevant to your project.Andrea Hawkins This is an open session which can offer advice on relevant funding schemes and ways in which North West Arts can support your development. These must be booked in advance and are subject to availability. Please phone John Murray or Kath Welford on 0161 228 7621.