87a CRITS is a free, in-person crit programme for UK-based contemporary artists working across all art forms. We are looking for our 2026/27 cohort for monthly sessions in Cheltenham. This is a programme created to support artists through open discussion, experimentation, and collective critical exchange.

87a CRITS invites applications from UK-based contemporary artists at any stage of their career, working across all art forms and disciplines.

This is a free, in-person critique programme created to support artists through open discussion, experimentation, and collective critical exchange.

The programme runs from September 2026 to February 2027, with monthly evening sessions held in Cheltenham, UK.

It brings together a small cohort of selected artists committed to developing their practice through sustained dialogue, feedback, and in-person critique.

Participants are encouraged to present work at any stage of development, whether completed, in progress, or experimental.

The focus is on fostering an environment where artists can share, question, and expand their practice in a supportive setting.

87a CRITS is open to emerging and established practitioners.

There are no formal qualification requirements, and artists from all backgrounds are welcome to apply.

The programme values work that is exploratory, ambitious, unresolved, and engaged with contemporary questions and conditions.

Key features of the programme:

• Free to participate; no fees are charged.
• Monthly sessions in Cheltenham, scheduled in the evenings to accommodate work and other commitments.
• A collaborative and inclusive environment for critical exchange and feedback.
• Opportunities for participants to curate or present work, including works in progress.
• Cohort size is limited to ensure meaningful engagement and discussion.
• All art forms are welcome, including but not limited to visual arts, performance, sound, moving image, and interdisciplinary practices.

To apply you will be asked to provide:

• A short biography
• A brief statement about your practice and why you wish to join 87a CRITS
• Examples of your work (links or attachments)
• Contact details and relevant social media links

Important dates

• Applications close: 1 August 202
• Applicants notified: 21 August 202
• First session: 8 September 202
• Programme duration: September 2026 to February 2027

Please note:

The programme is free to join; however, participants are responsible for their own travel.

Session dates will be finalised after the selection process in consultation with participants.

87a is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for all participants.

87a CRITS offers a unique opportunity to join a community of peers, develop your practice in a supportive setting, and engage in critical dialogue about contemporary art.

Whether you are looking to test new work, gain feedback, or connect with other practitioners, this programme is devised to help you grow as an artist.

Notes from the 2025-26 cohort:

"87A has felt exciting, underground, DIY. Artists meeting purely out of a want to discuss their ideas is a beautiful thing to me. It has left an imprint on my practice and I am very grateful for Jo and Evie for letting us into their studio."

"87A Crits has been a real benefit to my arts practice. Engaging with artists at different stages of their careers, in a safe and supportive environment, opened up a space where I felt comfortable bringing unfinished or uncertain work. The responses I received genuinely helped to shape and evolve the direction of my practice."

"It’s been an honour to be part of 87a CRITS inaugural cohort: regular sessions produced with verve, intensity, humour and cake by Jo Hepburn and Evie Lucas. We got stuck in immediately, everyone was open to this type of artist led critique and things were interesting and honest from the start - no holding back, plenty of space for truly open minded discussion, wondering, sharing knowledge and sometimes vociferously exchanging views on certain aspects of art making.. good stuff!"

We look forward to receiving your application.