We are joined by Marta Marsicka, curator at Centrala Space, and Dr Jakub Ceglarz, artist and researcher at the University of Birmingham, to better understand the level of inclusion and visibility of Russian, Central and Eastern European art and artists in the UK as recently highlighted by a research project at the University of Birmingham earlier this year.

One of the findings of this study suggested that young migrant artists often find themselves feeling lost and unheard in the British art economy and because of this have trouble looking for and finding suitable opportunities for development.

Together we will use stories shared during this study to help discuss and workshop barriers that young artists and their work can face while living and working in the UK.

You too can bring a small object with you (example of your work, a personal item, or maybe something you found on the way to Pushkin House) that can help you speak about yourself and your work (optional).

The workshop will be followed by an informal round-table discussion focusing on the testimonies of artists, curators and cultural workers who participated in the study.

Jakub Jan Ceglarz is an artist and researcher based in Birmingham, UK. He has exhibited his work both nationally (Edinburgh, London, Birmingham, Blackpool) and internationally (Portugal, Belgium, Hungary, Italy). His practice is concerned with renegotiating social, political, historical and material structures of layers. He is challenging them by critically engaging with the sexual, visceral and mundane forms of homespun aesthetics. He holds a PhD (AHRC funded) in Fine Art from Birmingham School of Art, Birmingham City University (2018). He is the recipient of the Mike Holland Prize (2013) and the Gertrude Ashton Bowater Bequest Award (2012). He is currently working on a study of visibility, inclusion and experiences of liminality in relation to Central and Eastern European artists living in the UK.

Marta Marsicka is a curator from Poland living and working in Birmingham. Her background is in curating contemporary art in formal cultural institutions. Currently she is working in Centrala Space in Birmingham – a gallery focused on Central and Eastern European contemporary art. She is also working on Polish community engagement project with Polish Expats Association.