Upgrade Yourself Monthly: Building your own creative path as an artist and curator

Join us for our October Upgrade Yourself Monthly with Dark Yellow Dot, to explore creating opportunities beyond traditional routes and carving out a path that works for you as an artist and curator. Join us for our October Upgrade Yourself Monthly with Dark Yellow Dot, to explore creating opportunities beyond traditional routes and carving out a path that works for you as an artist and curator. Please note this event is for 18–30-year-olds. Building a creative career doesn’t always follow a straightforward path. Sometimes, you have to create the opportunities you’re looking for. Join artist, educator, curator and Dark Yellow Dot founder Lauren Little for an honest and practical session exploring how to build a creative career on your own terms. Lauren is a visual artist practicing collage and oil painting, and the founder of Dark Yellow Dot, an award-winning arts platform supporting emerging artists. Her career has spanned art, education, curation and creative entrepreneurship, including working as an Art Lecturer at the University of Reading, managing Walthamstow’s 1B Window Gallery, and collaborating with brands and cultural organisations including V&A, Porsche, Ohuhu Markers and Hyde Park Picture House. She was also selected for Somerset House’s Black Business Residency, Cohort 5. Lauren will share the lessons, challenges and opportunities that have shaped her career, alongside practical advice on how to turn your skills and ideas into opportunities of your own. The session will include a talk, group Q&A and lively peer-group discussions, giving you the chance to ask questions, get tailored advice, empowering you to plot your next steps and connect with other young creatives. Together, you’ll explore: Finding and creating opportunities for yourself Turning your skills, interests and ideas into projects and possibilities Building confidence in your creative journey Developing relationships and growing your network Navigating the realities, challenges and unexpected turns of a creative career Whether you're just starting out, figuring out where you fit within the creative industries or looking for new ways to move your ideas forward, you'll leave with fresh perspectives, practical insights and new connections with fellow creatives. As always, free drinks and food provided by Butch Salads will be available throughout the evening. ✨ And here’s the bonus: All attendees will receive tickets to 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, a leading voice in the global discussion on contemporary African art. The 1-5 Contemporary African Art Fair will take place 15-18 October 2026 at Somerset House.