Welcome to the
EXPANSION
ACCELERATOR 04
We are delighted to welcome you to this transformative programme. The EXPANSION ACCELERATOR is more than just a course; it’s a carefully designed 12-week journey aimed at elevating your creative practice to new levels.
Throughout this programme, you'll receive expert guidance, essential tools, and insights, all while being supported by a dynamic network of peers. Our approach is divided into three key phases: understanding your artistic goals, developing a strategic plan to enhance your work, and taking practical steps to increase your visibility and impact.
On this page, you will find everything you need to navigate the programme effectively:
Programme Information: Insights into what to expect and how to maximise your 12 weeks, along with links to pre-recorded sessions from the school’s resource library for your reference.
Access to Recordings: Review sessions details, replays and resources at your convenience.
1-to-1 Booking Links: Arrange your personal coaching and mentoring sessions.
Participant Information: Connect with your Expansion peers and explore their work.
We’re excited to support you throughout this journey and look forward to seeing the remarkable progress you’ll achieve.
Let’s bring your work into the spotlight it deserves.
KEY DATES
JANUARY:
Orientation Meeting: Group Activity
Time: 09:00 - 10:30 GMT (9 - 10.30am UK time)
Date: Thursday 29th January 2026
Overview: In this 90-minute orientation, Natasha will introduce the Expansion Accelerator programme, including key details about roles, communication, and the programme webpage. You’ll also meet Eleanor, your programme coach, engage in a breakout session, and be given a couple of tasks to complete ahead of your first 1to1s. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
Field Trip: V&A East Storehouse (optional extra)
Time: 14:00 - 16:30 GMT (2 - 4.30pm UK time)
Date: Friday 30th January 2026
WSG Field Trips are a strand of the wider School programme. They are designed to bring us together in real spaces to connect, get inspired, and deepen our practices. The new V&A East Storehouse gives access to a huge behind‑the‑scenes collection of over 250,000 objects and 350,000 books spanning art, design, photography and more. Rather than a typical gallery show, Storehouse is a working collection space where you can see rarely‑displayed material and handle objects with the support of V&A staff.
Location:
V&A East Storehouse - 14:00 - 16:30pm
Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Stratford, London E20 3BS
FEBRUARY: Self Awareness
MENTORSHIP SESSIONS: 1 to 1
Personal Artistic Journey & Project Review
Time: 07:00 - 19:00 GMT (7am - 7pm UK time) - 50 minute sessions
Date: Thursday 5th February 2026
Focus: This session, with Natasha, will focus on helping you gain clarity on your strengths, challenges, and how past experiences have shaped the dissemination of your work. The session will include a review of ongoing or completed projects.
WORKSHOP: Group Activity
Evolving Your Practice: Refining and Analysing
Time: 09:00 - 12:00 GMT (9am - 12.00pm UK time)
Date: Thursday 12th February 2026
Overview: Engage in a self-reflective process to evaluate your current artistic practice, presentation, working values, and what has been effective or challenging. Identify sources of support and define your ideal audience and client. We will then workshop and analyse case studies of artists' trajectories to uncover insights and develop personalised roadmaps to achieve your goals.
WORKSHOP: Group Activity
Sharing Your Practice
Time: 09:00 - 11:00 GMT (9am - 11.00pm UK time)
Date: Thursday 19th February 2026
Overview:
This is an informal session to introduce your practice, share how you want to develop your work during Expansion, and reflect on initial thoughts after the first workshop. You will each have 10 minutes to present.
What to Prepare:
A 10 -15 page PDF
Include key works, context, and your direction for the next few months
Keep it clear and focused - there will be time for deeper exploration in future sessions. We encourage you to be open, generous, and curious - this is the first of many opportunities to build a supportive space together.
COACHING SESSIONS: 1 to 1
Overcoming Personal Barriers
Time: 07:00 - 12:00 GMT (7am - 12pm UK time) - 50 minute sessions
Date: Saturday 14th & 21st February 2026
Focus: Eleanor will work with you to identify and overcome personal barriers such as self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and discomfort with self-promotion. This session aims to build self-confidence and self-awareness, empowering you to get prepared to try new ways.
CRIT SESSIONS:
Time: 09:00 - 11:30 GMT (9am - 11.30am UK time) or 12:00 - 14:30 GMT (12 - 2.30pm UK time)
Date: Thursday 26th February 2026
Facilitated peer crit sessions with Natasha Caruana. In these 90 minute sessions, four or five artists will each have 30 minutes to present their work and progress to receive feedback. Please be prepared to screen-share your work and answer targeted questions. Use these crits to refine your practice and strengthen your projects.
MARCH: Strategy
MENTORSHIP SESSIONS: 1 to 1
Strategic Planning & Portfolio Review
Time: 09:00 - 14:50 GMT (9am - 2.50pm UK time) - 50 minute sessions
Date: Thursday 5th & Friday 6th March 2026
Focus: You will work to develop a strategic plan for promoting your work, refining goals, looking at marginal gains, and creating a clear roadmap. Additionally, you will receive feedback on your portfolio, to curate and present work that aligns with your strategic objectives.
WORKSHOP: Group Activity
Strategies for Expanding Your Artistic Reach
Time: 09:00 - 12:00 GMT (9am - 12.00pm UK time)
Date: Thursday 12th March 2026
Overview: This workshop will develop tailored strategies for promoting your work, reaching target audiences, whilst navigating and building key supporters. It will cover creating effective marketing plans, identifying the right audiences, and building systems to get your work out there.
COACHING SESSIONS: 1 to 1
Goal Setting and Accountability
Time: 07:00 - 12:00 GMT (7am - 12pm UK time) - 50 minute sessions
Date: Saturday 14th & 21st March 2026
Focus: You will set specific, measurable goals related to your strategy and establish accountability measures to ensure progress. This session will focus on breaking down larger goals into manageable steps and creating a framework to lay a foundation for consistent action.
CRIT SESSIONS:
Time: 09:00 - 11:30 GMT (9am - 11.30am UK time) or 12:00 - 14:30 GMT (12 - 2.30pm UK time)
Date: Thursday 26th March 2026
Facilitated peer crit sessions with Natasha Caruana. In these sessions, four or five artists will each have 30 minutes to present their work and progress to receive feedback. Please be prepared to screen-share your work and ask targeted questions. Use these crits to refine your practice and strengthen your projects.
APRIL: Action
MENTORSHIP SESSIONS: 1 to 1
Networking and Outreach
Time: 07:00 - 19:00 GMT (7am - 7pm UK time) - 50 minute sessions
Date: Thursday 2nd April 2026
Focus: You will receive personalised advice on strengthening professional relationships, making introductions, and effective networking strategies. The session will also include guidance on approaching exhibitions and presenting your work effectively in various settings.
WORKSHOP: Group Activity
Building Bridges: Networking and Community
Time: 09:00 - 12:00 GMT (9am - 12pm UK time)
Date: Thursday 9th April 2026
Overview: In this action-oriented workshop, you will learn practical steps for building and strengthening your networks. We will have a guest expert visiting to discuss effective PR, and we will look at what action is needed to create an effective and sustainable community around your work.
COACHING SESSIONS: 1 to 1
Implementation and Momentum
Time: 07:00 - 12:00 GMT (7am - 12pm UK time) - 50 minute sessions
Date: Saturday 18th & 25th April 2026
Focus: You will be supported to take action on your strategic plan, addressing any challenges or obstacles that arise. This session will focus on maintaining momentum, adapting to changes, and ensuring that you are on track to achieve their goals. Eleanor will also help with stress management and time management techniques to keep you focused and productive beyond the programme.
CRIT SESSIONS:
Time: 09:00 - 11:30 GMT+1 (9am - 11.30am UK time) or 12:00 - 14:30 GMT+1 (12 - 2.30pm UK time)
Date: Thursday 30th April 2026
Facilitated peer crit sessions with Natasha Caruana. In these sessions, four or five artists will each have 30 minutes to present their work and progress to receive feedback. Please be prepared to screen-share your work and ask targeted questions. Use these crits to refine your practice and strengthen your projects.
MAY:
ROUND-UP SESSIONS: 1 to 1
Time: 07:00 - 19:00 GMT+1 (7am - 7pm UK time) - 30 minute sessions
Date: Thursday 21st May 2026
ROUND-UP: Group Activity
Roundup, Reflection & Feedback
Time: 09:30 - 10:30 GMT+1 (9.30 - 10.30am UK time)
Date: Thursday 28th May 2026
Showcase and Celebration - Summer 2026 (more info to come)
PRESENTATIONS & RECORDINGS
ORIENTATION SESSION
SEPTEMBER - SELF AWARENESS
OCTOBER - STRATEGY
NOVEMBER - ACTION
Example workshops from the Resources Library
Here is a list of past workshop recordings from our Resources Library to help you disseminate your work effectively
Mentorship 077 - Getting Published and Commissioned - Emma Bowkett
Mentorship 034 - Building a relationship with a Gallery - Catherine Couturier Gallery
Mentorship 031 - Building an artist profile for longevity with a gallery - Frederick McDonald
Mentorship 030 - Daily Practice for Visibility - Gosia Walton
