Artist Brew Day: Advice Sessions & Workshops

Free advice sessions and workshops for creatives

We’ll pop the kettle on…

Built on the concept that mentoring and advice occurs when emerging artists approach established artists ‘for a brew’, four years ago we flipped this by inviting artists into our office for an hour of free advice.

Around four times a year we fill up the kettle, stock up on biscuits and open our office door for any artists or companies in need of an ear, a hand, or a spot of advice. We don’t consider ourselves the experts, but we’ve learnt a lot along the way. We are so thankful to all the artists who have helped us that we wanted to pay it forward to others.

During the pandemic we were unable to hold our in-person advice surgeries. Determined to continue to offer peer support and learning opportunities for artists we created a series of free and pay-what-you-can online workshops, panels and advice sessions. Though much of our work is now delivered in person, we continue to offer Artist Brew Day online to make the experience as accessible as possible, supporting artists who are still shielding or who have restricted time due to work or care commitments – as well as supporting artists living outside of Salford and Manchester who can’t afford travel costs.

Past sessions

Over the last few years, we’ve delivered a wide range of workshops, panel discussions and advice sessions on topics from fundraising to sustainable practices, audience development to deaf awareness – featuring members of the Art with Heart team and brilliant freelance artists and collaborators.

  • ‘An introduction to working with deaf performers’ with Alexandra James
  • ‘Creating an environmentally friendly practice’ with Amie Taylor (Fun Palaces) and Dan Jackson (Trace Productions)
  • ‘Crash Course in Fundraising’ with Sarah Emmott
  • ‘Meaningful audience engagement’ with Sharon Raymond and Rachel Moorhouse
  • ‘Discovering Your Artistic Identity’ with Megan Holland
  • ‘Navigating DYCP’ with Arts Council England

Our Workshops have been made possible through funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture Fund.

Rachel and Sarah hand out worksheets to participants

Partner with us

We’ve partnered with a number of artistic and educational organisations to deliver our Artist Brew Day activities, including Arts Council England, Salford University, The Lowry, Royal Exchange Theatre, Z-Arts, artsdepot, Manchester Deaf Centre and MAC (Midlands Arts Centre).

Click here to contact us and find out more.

“We learnt so much and felt so supported by Sarah’s knowledge and guidance. To be able to learn from an organisation that has walked the path before us is invaluable and has really helped propel our thinking and plans for our own organisation.”

Girl Gang Manchester

“Had a fantastic session with the wonderful Sarah – informative, supportive with really practical advice. What an invaluable resource for creatives.”

Catherine Nicks, Artist - ABD advice session participant

“Practical, honest, thoughtful, brilliant advice. Plus a glorious dance break. Thank you so much.”

Ash Cox, Salford University - Meaningful Audience Engagement workshop participant

“I got a chance to ask loads of questions I’ve felt previously too stupid to ask, with no judgement whatsoever, just some super helpful advice. Would definitely recommend it!”

ABD advice session participant

“You have the most-excellent approach that comes from a place of deep integrity and authenticity. Thanks for your time, wisdom, and – as always – heart.”

Laura Lindsay, Artist - Meaningful Audience Engagement workshop participant

“This is unbelievably useful and engaging, especially considering the ‘dryness’ of the material. Sarah is phenomenal!”

Crash Course in Fundraising workshop participant

“It’s really underrated how valuable pastoral and general ‘how do I exist as a disabled artist’ advice is. You truly gave me such great ideas and thoughts.”

Kao, Artist

Sign up to be the first to hear about the next Artist Brew Day.

From workshops to one-to-one advice sessions, we’re always planning the next jam-packed Artist Brew Day. If you’d like to be the first to find out about it, sign up to our mailing list.

Click here to sign up