Our vibrant annual Featured Artist Programme is dedicated to empowering and nurturing a select group of emerging creative talents over the course of 12 months.

Each year, a distinguished Guest Curator partners with the Chorus Arts team, seamlessly blending their expertise with the programme's vision. This collaboration offers participants unparalleled access to a wealth of skills and industry knowledge, ensuring they benefit from a truly diverse range of experiences.

Every session and interaction is meticulously designed to provide practical, actionable insights, helping participants build confidence, resilience, and meaningful growth in their creative journeys.

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This year’s Summer Show at Riverside Studios proudly showcased the exceptional work of 11 contemporary artists from our 2023/24 cohort.

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The Exhibition

The Exhibition showcased a thoughtfully curated selection of over 40 original works, spanning a diverse range of creative practices, including painting, sculpture, photography, performance, drawing, printmaking, and digital art.

Spread across the atrium, the café, and window displays of Riverside Studios, this impressive collection was free for visitors to explore and offered many pieces available for purchase. It provided a compelling snapshot of contemporary art, design, and craft, brought to life by a vibrant and dynamic group of creative practitioners.

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The Private View

The Private View welcomed a rich mix ofguests from the arts and culture community. The event featured a live performance of Scott Jones’ 'Hemodynamic Disco' alongside an exciting new collaboration between visual artist Craig Black and designer/sculptor Jessie White.

As part of the event, we brought together leading voices in arts and culture for The Conversation—a dynamic discussion addressing key concerns of creative practitioners.

Chaired by Maria Katehis, Head of Chorus Arts, the esteemed panel included:
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• Louise Shannon – Head of Cultural Programme, Chatsworth House, and Chorus Arts Featured Artist Programme Guest Curator 2023/24
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• Aida Esposito – Cultural and Creative Strategist
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• Dr. Chris Arnold – Thought Architect and Social Impact Strategist
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The discussion was both engaging and thought-provoking, with key themes emerging around the challenges of positioning creative practice as a viable commercial venture, the lack of business education within art curriculums, and the profound implications of AI for the future of the creative industry.

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The Verdict

"The Summer Show encapsulates the creativity that defines the Chorus Arts community.  Each artwork offers a glimpse into the artist's unique vision across a range of practice including sculpture, paining, digital and craft. Each of the artworks selected in conversation with the artists allows an insight and an opportunity to connect with their artistic expression”.

Louise Shannon, Head of Cultural Programme, Chatsworth House  
Chorus Arts Guest Curator 2023/24