We are very pleased to launch Best Practice, a new independent fine art course developed in partnership with Creative Culture Trust, Breeze Creatives, The Courtauld, and Barbour Foundation.
Best Practice is an intensive programme designed for emerging artists ready to deepen their practice, expand their critical engagement, and build a strong foundation for future study or professional work in the arts. Minimum course length is 6 months but participants are welcome to remain on the course for one to two years to suit their individual journey.
Places are limited.
If you’re interested in arranging a visit, send us a message and we’ll arrange a time and date.
ARTWORK BY SARAH SWEENEY
Discovering new artists and ideas MAW25
Practice development - regular group crits
Tour of the Ro Robertsons - The Ribs Begin to Rise, NGCA, Sunderlnad
Regular artists talks - glass artists Zac Weinberg
Studio visits - Michael Davison - Ceramics and glass studio - JMC
Sunderland University degree show tour
Wokshops - Thrown Together Pottery, Sunderland
Student Interim exhibition - Abject Gallery, Sunderland
Student Interim exhibition - Abject Gallery, Sunderland
Workshop -with Courtauld Institute
Industry introductions - Sleep___Well, JMC
Artists studio visits - Norwegian painter Ragna
FAQs
Where and what is Best Practice?
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Best Practice is a new course based in Sunderland and will open its doors to the first Newcastle studio in March 2026. Best Practice is an intensive programme designed for emerging artists ready to deepen their practice, expand their critical engagement, and build a strong foundation for future study or professional work in the arts. Minimum course length is 6 months (Sunderland) and 1 Year Newcastle but participants are welcome to remain on the course for one to two years to suit their individual journey.
Can I join in elements of Best Practice without having to join the course or take a studio?
2
Yes, we are very flexible and understand that a rigid format does not suit every artist and that some artists may wish to dip in and out. In light of this weekly crits and talks can be joined for a one off payment, for more information email: mail@best-practice.uk
How many artists are enrolled on the studio programme each year?
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Across both sites there will be around 16 artists enrolled on the course, Best Practice studios are housed within larger studio complexes at The Athenaeum building in Sunderland and the John Marley Centre in Newcastle to encourage new networks with regional artists.
How is the course structured?
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The course is structured much like a foundation course that introduces students to initial projects for ideas generation and then follows the format of studio time, weekly crits and weekly gallery visits, helping students to understand the context in which they are making new work. Each month a visiting lecturer or talk will take place and bi monthly workshops are organised to introduce students to new skills. Every 3 months an interim show is organised and students work towards a final exhibition when they feel that their journey is complete. Final shows take place every 6 months.
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Is there a workshop/technician?
5
There is no workshop or technician and individuals are required to provide their own materials and tools to enable them to make work. Staff are onsite 3- 5 days per week and are easily contactable via phone and email.
How many days can I be in the studio?
Once enrolled, the studios are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Can I work part-time and still do the course?
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We recognise most artists will have work or family responsibilities, however, we generally expect our students to be in the studios for a minimum of 3 days per week. Undertaking the programme is a commitment that shouldn’t be underestimated and we discuss how best to get the most out of the programme with all shortlisted applicants at interview.