Get expert feedback on your art – book a free one-on-one portfolio review in our Portfolio Surgery afternoon sessions.

In our free Artist Portfolio Surgery, an established artist and industry expert will provide constructive feedback, professional guidance and practical tips on how to strengthen your presentation, technique, and overall artistic vision.

They’ll help you identify areas for improvement and discuss ways to refine your work. You’ll also receive tailored feedback while engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the creative process, career development, and the challenges of being an artist in today’s dynamic art world.

This is a rare opportunity to gain valuable insights, refine your practice, and take your work to the next level.

Sessions are only available for individual artists and not groups.

What to Expect at a Portfolio Surgery

• Personalised one-on-one feedback from an established artist or creative industry professional.
• Constructive guidance to help refine your artistic voice, creative direction, and presentation of work.
• Practical career advice on opportunities, networking, and next steps in your artistic journey.
• Support with portfolio presentation, including layout, documentation, and how to talk about your work confidently.

What to Bring With You

• A selection of your artwork. This could be either physical pieces, sketchbooks, or digital images on a tablet or laptop.
• An up-to-date artist CV or short bio, including exhibitions, education, or relevant experience.
• A portfolio or digital folder that best represents your style and range of skills.
• A statement or short summary describing your practice and what inspires your work.
• Questions or goals you’d like to discuss, such as applying for residencies, approaching galleries, or developing a specific project.
• A notebook or device for jotting down feedback and recommendations.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything listed – just bring what you can! The sessions are designed to support artists at all stages, whether you’re developing your first body of work or refining an established portfolio.

Our Portfolio Surgeries are simply a creative conversation. It’s your chance to get honest, professional feedback, explore new perspectives, and build confidence in presenting your art.

Experts of the surgery:

Frances Morris CBE

Frances Morris is a curator and art historian and currently Chair of the Gallery Climate Coalition and Distinguished Professor at Ewha University Seoul.

Frances was Director Tate Modern 2016-23, and Director of Tate’s International collection from 2006-16.

Morris, along with her colleague Iwona Blazwick, was responsible with the initial presentation in 2000 of the Tate Modern’s opening collection displays, organised thematically and in a non-chronological manner with mixing of contemporary artworks with those of Monet, Matisse, and Picasso.

Jon Banger 

Jonny Banger (b. 1984, Colchester) is an artist, raver and the founder of Sports Banger, a London-based clothing brand and rag-tag collective that interrogates British pop culture, class and politics through fashion shows, raves, exhibitions and community projects.

Jonny has been invited to speak at the Design Museum, Institute of Contemporary Arts and Royal College of Art (all London), Bound Art Book Fair (Manchester), Forwards Festival (Bristol) and at various colleges and social initiatives across the UK.

This Portfolio Surgery – Morning Session is held as part of The Firstsite Art Fair!