Age & Opportunity, in partnership with the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), is delighted to present What Works Now? Curators on Artists 50+, a professional development event for artists wishing to develop, re-establish or sustain their practice in mid and later career.
The day combines a panel discussion with experienced curators and small-group mentoring opportunities, creating a space for artists to gain industry insight, receive feedback, and connect with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.
Thursday 12 November 2026
11.00am – 5.00pm
Friends Room, Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), Dublin
Designed specifically with artists aged 50+ in mind, the event recognises the wealth of experience that mature artists bring while addressing some of the practical and structural barriers that can arise later in life. Through discussion, questions and mentoring, participants will explore how to maintain visibility, build professional relationships and continue developing their creative practice in a changing arts landscape.
Curators’ Discussion
11.30am – 12.45pm
Chaired by Dr Tara Byrne, this discussion brings together curators Dr Nathalie Weadick and Davey Moor for a candid conversation about what artists need to know to build and sustain a visual arts practice today.
Drawing on their experience of working with artists across a range of exhibitions, commissions and cultural programmes, the speakers will offer practical insights into how curators discover artists, what captures their attention, and what helps sustain productive professional relationships over time.
Topics will include:
- How curators identify and select artists for exhibitions and projects
- How curators view mature and late-career artistic practice
- Barriers that older artists may encounter, including family commitments, access to residencies, gatekeeping and perceptions around age
- What keeps curators engaged with an artist’s work over the long term
- Approaches to pitching work and communicating effectively with curators
- Writing artist statements and presenting your practice with clarity and confidence
- Opportunities and challenges for artists aged 50+ in the contemporary visual arts sector
There will be an opportunity for audience questions and discussion.
Tea and coffee will be served from 11.00am.
Mentoring Sessions
1.30pm – 5.00pm
From 1.30pm, participants can take part in small-group mentoring sessions with Dr Nathalie Weadick and Davey Moor.
These one-hour sessions will provide practical guidance, constructive feedback and peer-learning opportunities for artists seeking support in developing their practice and navigating the contemporary visual arts landscape.
Participants are invited to bring examples of their work and any questions they would like to discuss. Each mentoring group will be limited in size to allow for meaningful discussion and individual feedback.
Places for mentoring sessions are limited and should be booked in advance.
Tickets
Two ticket options are available:
- Discussion only: €5
- Discussion and Mentoring Session: €15
Book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/what-works-now-curators-on-artists-50-tickets-2003450449225?aff=oddtdtcreator
