Artist Portfolio Reviews with RWA Academicians

Friday 17 April 2026 

Are you an artist who is looking for external feedback and advice on your current portfolio? Do you have a specific project, query, or aim that you would like to discuss with a professional working artist? 

The RWA is offering the opportunity to meet with one of our experienced Academicians, Ione Parkin RWA and Anna Gillespie RWA to facilitate 45 minute portfolio reviews at the RWA. 

Please choose your preferred facilitator and time slot below. If all of our spaces are sold out, please keep checking back on our RWA What's On page where we will be releasing more review opportunities throughout the year. 

What can you expect in our portfolio review sessions?  

• A general introduction and agreement of aims for the meeting
• An opportunity to present your portfolio, project or query and discuss this.
• Feedback to support you developing the work discussed.
• An opportunity to discuss the feedback.
• A verbal summary of key points and suggested actions.

How should you prepare?

Organise the Portfolio:
•    Select a cohesive set of works that best represent your skills and style.
•    Arrange the pieces in a logical order, possibly thematically or chronologically.

Prepare Explanations:
•    Be ready to discuss the intention, inspiration, and process behind each piece.
•    Think about any specific areas where feedback is needed.

Research the Academician:
•    Familiarise yourself with the Academician’s work.
•    Prepare thoughtful questions related to the Academician’s expertise and experience.

Set Goals:
•    Define what you hope to achieve from the session.
•    Think about long-term career goals and how the feedback can help you achieve them.

Be Open:
•    Approach the session with an open mind, ready to receive constructive feedback.

If you can no longer attend a session, please try to let us know at least 1 week in advance by emailing artists@rwa.org.uk so we can offer your place to someone else. If you cannot attend on the day, please call 0117 302 1003 to let us know. 

For any general queries, please email artists@rwa.org.uk 

With thanks to The Lark Trust Quartet Charitable Fund for their generous support of our Portfolio Reviews

main image, Khali Ackford, KoLAB studios