Panel Discussion: A BRAVE NEW ART WORLD

New Models for Sustaining Artists’ Practice through Sales

Events & Talks (15 April 2026, 5.45pm - 7.45pm)
This panel brings together artist-led and organisational approaches that are reshaping how artists sustain their practice through sales. From global grassroots movements to new exhibition models, the discussion will offer practical insight into alternative economies, peer support, and building financial resilience as an artist in a rapidly changing landscape.

Join us in the midst of the Resonance - an exhibition showcasing and selling work by contemporary artists - for a panel discussion followed by Q&A with:


  • Jo Myles – Director, Sussex Contemporary
  • Matthew Burrows – Artist; founder of the Artists’ Support Pledge; TURPS East Sussex mentor
    Chair: Liz Whitehead – Fabrica

Making a sustainable income as an artist has never been straightforward—and recent shifts have made it even more challenging. Funding is harder to access, paid opportunities are declining, and the commercial market is increasingly risk-averse. At the same time, wider changes such as AI, digitisation, and the loss of teaching and facilitation work are reshaping how artists earn.


This event focuses on two initiatives developed in Sussex that respond directly to these challenges:


  • Artists’ Support Pledge (ASP): Founded by Matthew Burrows in 2020, this global, Instagram-based movement enables artists to sell work affordably while supporting one another through a circular buying model. To date, it has generated over £80 million in artist income and fostered a strong culture of peer-to-peer support.
  • Sussex Contemporary: Since 2021, this organisation has been developing exhibition and professional development models that help artists grow their practice while generating income through sales, alongside workshops and one-to-one mentoring to build business skills.

Together, the speakers will explore what these models can teach us about sustaining artistic practice today- and what might come next.

Matthew Burrows LOWER RES
Doors & bar open 5.45pm for a 6.15pm start.

Tickets £6.50 / £4.50 + £1 booking fee

Fabrica
40 Duke Street, Brighton
BN1 1AG
For more information about visiting us please see our Plan Your Visit page.

Newsletter

Sign up for updates about events, news and special offers.