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Connected Horizons: Representation 29th September

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Visual Artists Ireland
Published 28/08/26 - 57 minutes ago
-
Category
VAI Events
Description

What does securing gallery representation actually mean for a visual artist in 2026? As gallery models evolve, real estate shifts, and independent platforms gain traction, the traditional path to building a visual arts career is changing.

In this edition of Connected Horizons, Visual Artists Ireland brings together Kevin Kavanagh (Director, Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, Dublin) and Katherine Oliver (Founder, Oliver Projects, London) for an open panel discussion exploring the realities, misconceptions, and practicalities of gallery relationships across the UK and Ireland.

What to Expect

  • Rethinking Representation: A frank discussion comparing traditional gallery representation with hybrid, nomadic, and non-exclusive models.
  • The Changing Landscape: How galleries and independent curators are navigating market shifts, and what that means for artist-gallery relationships.
  • Practical Outreach: The do’s, don’ts, and red flags when presenting your work to galleries or other platforms.
  • Cross-Border Reach: Strategies for artists based in Ireland, Northern Ireland, or GB to build visibility and artistic footprints across the Irish Sea.
  • Audience Q&A: A session allowing participants to submit questions directly to the panellists.

Kevin Kavanagh

Kevin Kavanagh is a gallerist working in Dublin and has been promoting artists’ work for over 30 years. The Kevin Kavanagh Gallery is an independent space promoting, facilitating and nurturing artists to exhibit works that are meaningful and contemporary. The gallery is located in Dublin, Ireland and represents Irish and International artists at home and abroad through its ambitious programme and participation in International Art fairs from which it receives financial support from Culture Ireland.

The gallery works with Museums and Art  Centres and encourages the collection of artists’ works both on a domestic scale and through acquisitions from the corporate sector and the various Art Institutions in Ireland.

Katherine Oliver

Katherine Oliver is the founder and director of Oliver Projects Gallery which opened in East Dulwich in July 2025. Having originally launched Oliver Projects in 2019 as a nomadic gallery with an online shop, Katherine organised regular group and solo exhibitions in various locations including her own home. She later collaborated with galleries including the Royal Watercolour Society and Sims Reed Gallery, taking Oliver Projects’ originally south east London-based projects into central London.
Previous to the gallery opening its first physical space, Katherine had amassed over 20 years’ experience in the art world at leading institutions including the Museum of Contemporary Arts, Sydney, the Barbican Gallery, London and the Royal Academy of Arts, London, where she managed the Summer Exhibition and was the first Art Sales Programme Curator. She has spoken at events including the London Art Fair and Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, has hosted numerous talks with contemporary artists, and has sat on judging panels for open call exhibitions.
Katherine has also provided consultancy services for clients including non-profit institutions, commercial galleries, and renowned artists, both in the UK and internationally, and has written for publications including Art Monthly and the RA Magazine.
Katherine lives and works in south east London.

Poster Images: Kevin Kavanagh, courtesy of Kevin Kavanagh Gallery | Portrait of Katherine Oliver, photo by Yolanda Chiaramello

For more information and to register, click here.

 
 
  • Bolay Visual Artists Café: Curator and Artist Networking Event 29th September
  • Visual Artists Help Desk with Laura Harvey-Graham (Online or on phone) 24th September
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Connected Horizons: Representation 29th September