The Why and What of Hosting Your Own Artist-Led Event Episode 1 of 3

For those of you who are new to the podcast, and for those of you who’ve been listening for a while, thank you for being here. As we reach the edge of the festive season, I wanted to offer you something special. A small gift to carry into the new year. A mini-series on hosting your own events as an artist. Not because the world is begging you to. Not because someone has given you the green light. But because your practice deserves oxygen. Visibility. Conversation. Agency. And because too many artists are waiting for someone else to make the first move. If you’ve worked with me, you’ll know I’m a firm believer in not waiting for permission. And I’ve seen too many artists twist themselves into knots wondering whether it’s worth doing something self-initiated. Whether it looks desperate. Whether it’s allowed. Whether someone else might quietly judge them. Whether it’s pointless unless it’s blessed by an institution. But in reality, artists at every stage host their own events. The big names do it with teams and budgets. The early career artists do it with hustle, charm and borrowed gear. Everyone else sits somewhere in the middle. Today’s episode is all about the foundation. The why and the what. Why host your own event. What to show. What you’re trying to learn. What you’re trying to provoke. What you’re building toward. -- Most artists are guessing their way through and staying stuck far longer than they need to. Inside Ceri Hand´s Coaching Membership, you get straight answers and real support through live sessions, portfolio reviews, virtual studio visits, monthly art world experts and community to help you cut through fast. Ceri covers everything. Right now, you can join or gift a full year for £99 - our only discount of the year, available until the first of January. Please join here - http://cerihand.com/membership/ KEY TAKEAWAYS Start planning ideally, six months out, at minimum. Why six months? - because momentum in the art world drips rather than gushes. Every decision you make when building your event must flow from a high level of clarity. Otherwise, the event becomes a blur. Too much labour, not enough purpose. Too many hopes, not enough design. When you’re clear on why you’re holding your event, you’re not just “putting on something,” you’re designing an experience that has a job to do. BEST MOMENTS “I’ve seen too many artists twist themselves into knots, wondering whether it's worth doing something self-initiated.” “The three-month window is your sweet spot. Enough time for people to make space in their diaries, but not so far in advance that they forget.” “Both events are small, both events are intentional, and both events are entirely designed around their aims.” HOST BIO With over 35 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals. ** Unlock Your Artworld Network Self Study Course Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today. https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network ** Book a Discovery Call To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, email us at [email protected] This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/