About this Event
London's gallery landscape has changed significantly in recent years. Rising operating costs, increasing pressure on commercial galleries and the growing expense of art fair participation have made it more challenging to sustain traditional models. At the same time, artists, curators and organisations are developing new ways of making and presenting work. From project spaces and meanwhile-use venues to artist-led initiatives, open studios and online platforms, alternative approaches are creating new ways to connect with audiences.
This panel discussion brings together gallery directors, curators and arts professionals to explore how artists and galleries are working together today, how these relationships are evolving, and what routes exist for artists to exhibit and share their work. Speakers include Dr Jo Townshend (), Lindsay Friend (), Charlotte Leseberg Smith () and Lea O'Loughlin ().
As part of the discussion, Acme will introduce Engine Room, a new affordable exhibition and event space at Acme Propeller Factory available for artists and cultural practitioners to hire.
The discussion will be followed by a Q&A, offering artists the opportunity to share their experiences, ask questions and discuss the opportunities and challenges of exhibiting work in a changing arts landscape.
Dr Jo Townshend (CVAN London)
Jo is Director & Chair of London’s Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN London), a free-to-access research-led, sector support and advocacy network for artists, arts professionals, galleries, and studios. She leads the network programme of Equality, Education, Sustainability & Data Matters, and delivers the annual London Visual Arts Report, co-created by member organisations. As an independent researcher and consultant, her practice research operates across the arts and education, with a focus on Posthuman, Feminist New Materialism and arts-based methodologies. She was previously Principal Partnerships Manager (Creative Industries) at UCL and Founding Principal of Rye Studio for the Creative Industries. She serves on the Diversity in the Public Realm Partners Board in the Creative and Culture Industries Office at the GLA, is a Trustee of AutoItalia and a Fellow of the RSA.
Lindsay Friend (IMT Gallery)
Lindsay Friend is the Director of IMT Gallery, a contemporary art space in East London, known for supporting boundary-pushing artists and presenting thought-provoking projects that delve into complex social, cultural, and philosophical themes. Representing a core group of emerging to established artists, IMT is recognised for its collaborative and international approach. Alongside her work at the gallery, Lindsay mentors artists, drawing on over 20 years’ experience working with artists and curating exhibitions. Her mentoring combines curatorial perspective with strategic guidance, supporting artists to develop their practice, articulate and position their work, and navigate opportunities within the wider contemporary art sector.
Charlotte Leseberg Smith (Soho Revue)
Charlotte Leseberg Smith is the Associate Director at Soho Revue and Echo Soho, where in both roles she leads in creative and financial strategy, curating exhibitions, building partnerships and delivering special projects. Previous to Soho Revue, Charlotte has guest curated exhibitions at Christie's, Guts Gallery and Unit 1 Gallery, was the Artist and Institutional Liaison at Outset Contemporary Art Fund and then the Partnerships & Special Projects Lead at Sarabande: The Lee Alexander McQueen Foundation. She additionally volunteers at Paintings in Hospitals.
Lea O'Loughlin (Acme)
Lea O'Loughlin is CEO of Acme, the largest provider of permanent affordable artist studios in England supporting over 800 artists across 15 buildings in London annually. Lea has held various roles at Adelaide Central Gallery, The Museum of Modern Art (New York), The Royal British Society of Sculptors, The Florence Trust, Tate, Gasworks Gallery & Studios and Cubitt Artists’ Studios. Prior to her appointment as CEO in 2026 and Co-Director in 2018, she was Head of Residencies and Awards at Acme. With expertise in artist precarity, access, diversity and inclusion, and the long-term resilience of cultural organisations, Lea is a former board member of Res Artis, serving as President from 2018 to 2022, and a member of the British Council's UK Arts Hubs Advisory Board.
Image: Anthony Whishaw RA's studio at Acme Robinson Road, July 2026 © Pietro Molinaris.
Event venue & nearby stays
Acme Propeller Factory, 165 Childers Street, London, United Kingdom
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