In-person BEYOND: Artist Social- 2nd April 2026, York
Join us for an evening of inspiration and connection for artists, arts workers and art supporters in Yorkshire and the Humber.
This will also be a fantastic opportunity to meet and connect with fellow artists and arts workers from across the region. Come along to collaborate, build friendships, share resources, find peer support and get a clearer picture of what’s happening across the sector.
This is our second in person edition of BEYOND which started in June 2024 as a series of online sessions.
'Beyond The Mainstream' is a YVAN bi-monthly artist social gathering led by Michael Barnes-Wynters - sharing alternative ways to plug into a sea of creativity whilst giving opportunities to get involved in future collaborative projects and the next 'Locations of Hope' publication.
Thursday 2nd April, 6-8:30pm at SPARK, York 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB - free for everyone
Presenters
Michael Barnes-Wynters - Welcome - Mutli-disciplined audio visual artist and Beyond the Mainstream connector.
Sharon Gill - Yorkshire and Humber Visual arts network - who we are, mission, vision
Aracelly Firmo - Theatre of Connections - a vibrant collective that celebrates the richness of a multicultural community by embracing diverse perspectives and fostering intercultural connections. Story of the Changing - radical artist-led enquiry into the end of empire
Alice Withers - OUR TURN: Bradford Visual Arts Festival 2025 next steps- Director of South Square Centre
Sue Ball - Situation Leeds: Contemporary Artists and the Public Realm. Situation Leeds supports the artist-led in the city through strengthening its network capacity and by way of a festival, creating opportunities for artists to connect and collaborate.
Douglas Black - Artists in Knaresborough and Harrogate
(if you would like to present about any opportunities or good news stories please get in touch)
Food and Drink
Teas, coffees, a soft drink and a few nibbles will be provided.
SPARK have a variety of food and drink vendors in the building. Hot food can be ordered directly from a SPARK vendor through their QR code and delivered to the event space.
Accessibility
We operate a Safer spaces agreement during all meetings and events, which is sent to attendees before the meeting.
The event will be in the 'SPARK Studios Show' space. The room is located on the upper level at the rear left of the building.
The most accessible route to the room has a platform lift, uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
For a detailed accessible guide to the venue visit SPARK York AccessAble Guide
Travel bursaries available
We have a collective budget of £300 to meet any requests for support with travel. If you otherwise couldn't attend and need support with travel payments - either public transport fares or petrol costs, please email info@yvan.org.uk.
How to get there
The nearest train station is York. There are numerous nearby bus stops with First Bus, Arriva, East Yorkshire, York & Country/Coastliner and Connexions services all frequently stopping. Our nearest Park & Ride is the Grimston Bar service operated by First Bus. The venue does not have its own car park but there is a public car park nearby.
If you are interested in a car share - either offering a space in your vehicle or you need a space email info@yvan.org.uk and we will try and accommodate for this.
Parking and public transport travel information
Beyond The Mainstream is YVAN's bi-monthly artist social gathering (usually online), which is led by multi-disciplined artist Michael Barnes-Wynt
ers.
More about our BEYOND facilitator, Michael Barnes-Wynters:
Having recently relocated his studio to The Old Lifeboat Station on Bridlington's South beach, Michael is a multi-disciplined taste maker, audio visual artist, mentorist, mischief maker and instigator. Originating from Bristol of Jamaican parentage, his long-term artist collaborations broadcast at the intersections of immersive experiential film installations and provocative durational action performances. He is a passionate ambidextrous user of analogue and digital technologies which he employs to explore his childhood sensory experiences.
Being a cultural connector and enabler, working with people from all walks of life and abilities is at the heart of Michael's activities. He continues to use socially engaged, performance and participatory-based strategies to make work that explores historical narratives and omissions, especially from his African diaspora, working class communities and migrant experiences in the UK.
About YVAN
YVAN is an infrastructure body for the visual arts in Yorkshire and the Humber. We are founded on the creative vision of individual artists and arts organisations. We prioritise individual practitioners, artists networks, small-scale initiatives and the artist-led.
YVAN are one of nine regions that make up Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) England who are part of a national alliance of visual arts networks from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We look forward to having conversations with you and connecting!
Photo Credit : Drew Watson Photography