As visual artists, much of our work is often seen as a solitary pursuit. We spend countless hours in studios, workshops, and creative spaces developing ideas, refining techniques, and bringing our individual visions to life. Yet some of the most exciting, innovative, and impactful artistic projects emerge when artists work together.

Collaboration has the power to expand our creative thinking, challenge our assumptions, and open doors to new opportunities. Whether it's partnering with fellow artists, curators, community groups, educators, businesses, or organisations from entirely different sectors, collaboration can help us reach new audiences, develop ambitious projects, and build stronger, more sustainable creative careers.

This short workshop will explore why collaboration matters, the different forms it can take, the benefits and challenges involved, and practical ways visual artists can build meaningful partnerships that support both creative growth and professional development.

Free workshop

Learn the art of writing a compelling personal story with award-winning memoirist

Writing about your personal story can be a transformative experience.

With the right craft tools, true stories can be as compelling as fiction. Award-winning memoir author, Joelle Tamraz, will share her insights from years of experience writing her memoir, The Secret Practice, as well as editing and reading extensively in the genre.

The workshop is organised in four parts:

1. Introduction to memoir

2. Understanding the four interconnected elements of memoir

3. Memoir exercise

4. Starting/sustaining a writing practice and Q&A

Participants will leave the workshop inspired to begin or deepen their memoir writing.

Slides will anchor the workshop but are not necessary as most of the material is conveyed through the talk and discussion.

For the memoir exercise, participants can write in a notebook or electronic device.

This workshop is being delivered to compliment the "Stories of the Mature Woman" exhbition, which invited participants to share their personal story.

Take a moment to pause, breathe and explore the meditative art of hand stitching with artist Fran White.

Slow and gentle stitching with Fran White.

Whether you’re an experienced maker or simply curious, you’ll find ethically sourced, hand-dyed materials ready to spark your creativity. Here, the joy lies in the process rather than the product—each quiet stitch offering relaxation, self-expression, and a chance to connect with others in a spirit of sustainability and care.

Step into a calm, welcoming space dedicated momentarily to mindful making and gentle conversation. Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and let the simple rhythm of needle and thread create a moment of sanctuary.

Materials supplied

The Royal Society of Arts celebrates Open House Festival and Heritage Open Day by opening its doors to the public and hosting a day of free activities.

This is a unique opportunity to visit the RSA’s historical House and join in a series of exciting events, including free tours, archival displays, artist talks and family-friendly activities !

An architectural gem designed as part of the Adelphi complex, RSA House boasts incredible historical rooms and murals, including some of the iconic Adam features, fireplaces and staircases. The RSA has a wealth of history and anecdotes, having welcomed, as part of its Society, fellows such as Charles Dickens, Karl Marx, Benjamin Franklin, and more recently Judi Dench and David Attenborough.

The RSA will be open from 11am to 4pm, with a series of activities, including:

• Tours on the hour (11am-3pm)

• Family-friendly painting activities

• Archival displays

• Art exhibitions

• Live Drawing and Making by artists

• Artist Talks: Pure Founder Lesley Samms will be moderating and interviewing Pure Artists Liliana Dobbs and Carole Bury in two separate talks

Come hear more about the RSA’s bustling history, our current Fellowship offers, grab some drinks at our Coffeehouse and Muse bar while exploring the House’s beautiful architecture, artworks and archives.