Portfolio Surgery – Afternoon Sessions
Saturday 28 February 2026
Sue Webster, Photography by Jill Mead_Lead
Courtesy of George Morl, Photography by Jane Lloyd
Courtesy of Thomas EmpsonÂ
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Experts of the surgery:
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Sue Webster
Sue Webster is an artist who established her reputation in the mid-1990s, working with her then-partner Tim Noble. Together they rose to prominence, making abstract shadow sculptures assembled from seemingly random objects.
Sue published the visual biography I Was a Teenage Banshee in 2019. A Künstlerroman (artist’s coming of age novel), the book combines personal memoir with a visual narrative of her evolution as an artist and describes how listening to Siouxsie and the Banshees helped guide her through a troubled adolescence.
In recent years, Sue has been painting in oils, turning her focus inward to create a striking series of large-scale self-portraits.
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Thomas EmpsonÂ
Professionally, Tom has experience delivering nationally funded projects, leading industry collabs and cutting-edge educational programmes.
From empowering many underrepresented groups to flourish, he is proud to now be serving his local queer community.
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George Morl
George is Programme Manager, Exhibitions at Firstsite. They explore how technology structures human behaviour, often from a disabled and neurodivergent perspective.Â
They have curated exhibitions ‘Voyager 2000: Worldbeing & Wonder’, ‘Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances’ and ‘David Lock: In-between Us’ at Firstsite. Â
Independently, as an artist, they have undertaken projects with Focal Point Gallery, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, Chelmsford Museum, and Southend Museums.
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This Portfolio Surgery – Afternoon Session is held as part of The Firstsite Art Fair!
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Accessibility information for your visitTicket prices:
Free
Support Art at Firstsite with a Mosaic Membership
Our Firstsite Mosaic Membership scheme helps keep our exhibitions open and free. This also contributes towards our community outreach and young artist development programmes.
As a thank you for their support, members enjoy unlimited free access to our films and a whole host of special offers and generous discounts!
Length: 30 minutes
Dates and times
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 12:30 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 12:30 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 12:30 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 2:00 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 2:00 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 2:00 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 2:30 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 2:30 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 2:30 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 3:00 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 3:00 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 3:00 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 4:00 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 4:00 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 4:00 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 4:30 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 4:30 pm
Saturday 28 February 2026 | 4:30 pm