15 artists from across the UK will help shape the advocacy, priorities and support offered by Artists Now, the membership organisation representing more than 36,000 artists.
Artists Now has appointed 15 members to its new Advisory Group, enabling artists’ experiences, concerns and ambitions to inform the organisation’s work.
The appointment follows the July 2026 launch of Artists Now, formerly a-n The Artists Information Company. The new name reflects a renewed commitment to putting artists at the centre of its work and championing their value to society.
The Artists Now Advisory Group brings together members at different career stages, working across a range of disciplines and geographies. Meeting four times a year, the group will contribute ideas, share what they are hearing across their networks and help shape Artists Now’s advocacy, membership offer and priorities.
The group’s members are paid for their time, with fees, travel and access costs supported by Artists Now.
The 15 members are Alaya Ang (Scotland); Barby Asante (London); Sovay Berriman (South West); Elly Clarke (East/London); Matt Denham (North East); Cat Dunn (Scotland); Dionne Elizabeth (South East); Aliya Farakh King (North West); Victoria Gray (Yorkshire); Kevin Hunt (West Midlands); Dylan Huw (Wales); Christopher Samuel (East Midlands); Marley Starskey Butler (West Midlands); Jazz Swali (East Midlands); Thomas Wells (Northern Ireland).
Through advocacy and collective action, Artists Now works to influence the policies and decisions that shape the visual arts landscape, campaigning on issues including fair pay and intellectual property and championing the conditions artists need to build sustainable careers.
Wing-Sie Chan, Head of Programmes at Artists Now, commented:
“Working alongside artists is central to how we develop our work at Artists Now. This new Advisory Group will bring together members from across the UK, with different practices, experiences and connections to their communities. Their contributions will help shape our advocacy, membership offer and priorities, ensuring that the experiences and concerns we hear from artists continue to inform what we do and how we do it.”
Kevin Hunt, artist and Advisory Group member, commented:
“I’m a huge believer in giving artists agency and the power to make things happen for themselves, rather than waiting for other people to make things happen for them. But to do this, artists need the tools, community, know-how and confidence to support themselves, whatever their background or location.
“The strongest support structures aren’t simply designed for artists—they’re designed with artists and by artists—and I’m excited to contribute to an organisation that puts artists’ agency at the heart of what it does.”
About Artists Now
Artists Now is the artists’ advocate, representing a community of more than 36,000 artists across the UK.
Artists Now builds on more than 45 years of supporting artists and advocating for their interests. Formerly a-n The Artists Information Company, the organisation adopted its new name to reflect its commitment to standing with artists, championing their value and helping create the conditions in which they can thrive.
Guided by its members, Artists Now campaigns on issues affecting artists, from fair pay to intellectual property, ensuring artists’ voices are heard and helping to shape policy at the highest levels.
Its community is open to every artist, connecting members to the services and opportunities they need to thrive, empowering them to make change for the better.
Artists Now is an outspoken champion of the value of artists to society and the distinctive perspectives they bring, connecting people and creating wonder for the world.
The organisation also works internationally as the UK representative of the International Association of Art (IAA), a global network of artists’ organisations. Artists Now currently holds the presidency of IAA Europe, contributing to international conversations about artists’ rights, working conditions and professional recognition.
The new Advisory Group will serve from 2026 to 2028, helping Artists Now remain connected to artists’ working lives as the organisation develops its advocacy and support in the UK and internationally.
