CVAN London is a free-to-access research-led, sector support and advocacy network for artists, arts professionals, art galleries, arts organisations, studios and art schools across London.

CVAN London is an independent network, moving residence across the city, funded by Arts Council England. As one of the nine national regions, London is the newest, born-digital network.

The first meeting of arts organisations was held in March 2020 and membership has grown across the boroughs. Originally based at UCL, CVAN London works with multidisciplinary research to develop ways to sustainably care for our people,  places, & environment and evidence the value of the arts. Additional activity is made possible through working in partnership, fundraising, and support from national CVAN.

Working Nationally

We work nationally as part of the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) to collectively realise a stronger, more resilient visual arts sector for artists, arts organisations, and audiences. CVAN advocates for our regional arts institutions, spaces, and artists – working towards a sustainable future for all.

CVAN is part of the visual arts alliance, a collective of visual arts networks from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Steering Group

CVAN London’s Director is supported by a Steering Group, made up of creative professionals and practitioners from CVAN London, UCL, and London’s arts community. The Steering Group members act as advisors and advocates who bring their knowledge, experiences and skills to inform and champion the work of the London network.

Key responsibilities are to:

• Support the Director to set and achieve measurable aims and objectives.
• Contribute to network wide conversation and activity.
• Identify opportunities for partnerships and funding.
• Represent and champion CVAN London within the sector and region
• Demonstrate an interest in and enthusiasm for developing the role of CVAN London
• Support positive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Attend x3 Steering Group meetings per financial year.
• Support recruitment for future new Steering Group members.
• Contribute to an annual review of responsibilities.

Please refer to our Terms of Reference (PDF).

Steering Group Members

Jo Townshend

Chair-Director

Jack Ky Tan

Artist-Lawyer, Special Advisor (AREVA)

Sheryll Catto

Co-Director, Action Space

Thompson Hall

Artist

Kieren Reed

Artist, Slade Professor & Director, UCL Slade School of Fine Art

Rachael Jarvis

Director & Head Curator, Mosaic Rooms

Kirsty Ogg

Director, New Contemporaries

Lea O’Loughlin

Co-Director, ACME Studios

Sanaz Amidi

Chief Executive, Rosetta Arts

Nicola Freeman

Head of Curatorial & Public Engagement, Government Art Collection