About this Event
From the next generation of creatives - a powerful snapshot of emerging talent at the very moment it steps into the world alongside high-profile artists such as Turner Prize nominee Heather Philipson, Larry Achiampong, Steve Messam, Joanne Coates and Sigita Silina.
We are building an ecosystem that actively supports growth. One that connects education to industry, talent to opportunity, and ambition to infrastructure. Most importantly, one that makes it clear: this city is a place where creative careers can begin, grow and thrive.
Because the question is no longer how do you break in? It’s how do we build something that lasts once you do? Liftoff is about that moment of transition - from study to practice, from potential to momentum - and what it really takes to get there.
Learning from Those Who’ve Done It Before
We are honoured to welcome a group of exceptional artists and filmmakers who will share their personal journeys of “breaking in” — offering candid insight into the realities of building a creative career today.
- Heather Phillipson — Turner Prize nominee, internationally acclaimed artist working across sculpture, video, installation, sound and poetry. Her work explores overload, systems, and contemporary culture at scale, including her representation of the UK at the Venice Biennale.
- Larry Achiampong — BAFTA-nominated filmmaker and artist whose practice spans film, sound and installation. His work explores identity, digital culture and heritage, and has been exhibited at Tate Britain, the Venice Biennale, and internationally.
- Joanne Coates — award-winning photographer whose socially engaged practice examines rurality, class, gender and overlooked communities in contemporary Britain, with work exhibited widely across the UK.
- Steve Messam — installation artist known for ambitious, large-scale interventions in landscapes and built environments, transforming how audiences experience place through temporary works of striking scale and imagination.
- Sigita Silina - Visual artist with a focus on socio-cultural nuances. Sigita's work merges art, science, and philosophy, inviting viewers to discover the interplay between art and human consciousness. Her film Liminal Potential was Shortlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize.
This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from artists at the highest level — not as abstract success stories, but as lived experience. They will speak openly about the realities of building a practice, the moments of uncertainty, and what it takes to sustain a creative life over time.
Event Schedule
18:00- 18:10 Guests arrive
18:10-18:15 – Welcome Cherie Federico
18:15-18:20 – Welcome Vanessa Corby
18:20 – 18:55 - Panel Being A Professional Artist in the North w/ audience Q&A
18:55 – 19:35– Larry Achiampong: Art, Videos Games and Breaking-in
19:35 - 20:05 – Meet Turner Prize Nominated Artist Heather Philipson on Starting Out
20:05 – Close and Groups Split into Tours
20:30 – DJ & Bar in the Creative Centre
This is a commitment to talent, place, and the future of the creative industries. If we want the next generation to stay, to build, and to lead — we need to show up.
We hope you can join us for what promises to be an energising and important evening. Book your place now.
Events access & inclusivity
At York St John University we are committed to making our events as welcoming and inclusive for as many people as possible.
If you are planning to attend one of our events and have specific access requirements, including wheelchair access, then please contact us by e: [email protected] or t: 01904 876318 and we will make every effort to accommodate you.
If you need a suitable seat reserved for you (and your companions), please let us know, preferably at least one week before the event. Sign language interpreters and real-time captioning may be requested in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible (ideally at least 3 weeks before the date of the event) if you require either BSL interpretation or captioning. We will try our best but cannot guarantee provision.
Parking
There is no parking for any vehicles on site and ANPR cameras are in operation 24/7.
We have a small number of Blue Badge spaces available, these spaces can only be used if guests have pre registered their number plates by emailing [email protected].
Registering your details does not guarantee a space, as they operate on a first come, first served basis. Please ensure your blude badge is displayed clearly in the vehicle.
Freedom of Speech
Freedom of speech within the law and academic freedom are core principles of our University and underpin our mission to foster intellectual curiosity, rigorous debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our staff / students / SU colleagues are entitled to express their ideas and views, providing they do not violate the law. The law rightly prohibits speech that incites violence, terrorism and hate, but does not prohibit speech that others may find upsetting or offensive.
As a University that embodies social justice, we expect people to treat each other with dignity and respect, but it is not our role to censor ways of thinking or stifle debate between those who hold opposing views.
We understand that it can be frustrating to face views and perspectives that do not reflect our inclusive ethos at York St John University. However, we will not take disciplinary action against staff or students for lawful expression of their views, regardless of petitions, media campaigns or other external pressures.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Temple Hall, York St John University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
