Plicnik Crit Sessions

Plicnik Space Initiative hosts an annual critique group at the beginning of each calendar year. The programme supports critical dialogue and professional development among practicing artists who are not currently in formal study. It provides a platform for artists seeking to refine their work while engaging with peers in a focused, professional context.

The programme is intended for artists who are not currently in formal study, maintain an active artistic practice, and are able to attend in-person sessions in London. Applications are assessed with consideration for the applicant's engagement with London-based, national, or international art contexts, their previous exhibition experience, their awareness of their position within the field, and their motivation to actively support the collective learning of the group.

Participants are selected through an open call.

The open call for the 2027 programme will be announced late 2026.

2026 Participants

Sofia Bordin
Lorenzo Bucci
Gabriel Cautain
Theo Ellison
Emily Fielding
AC Larsen
Minori Murata
Emma Papworth
Nic Sanderson
Eefje Stenfert
Song Xin

2025 Participants

Arieh Frosh
Jamie Hammill
Elliot Jeffries
Michelle Lee Johnson
Dani Marcel
Danny Paparagani
Yasmin Vardi
Joanna Wierzbicka
Alexandros Xenophontos
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"It was great to test new ideas in a supportive environment and see what resonated. I also benefited from listening to in-depth discussions about the other artists' practices."

- Dani Marcel

"The crit sessions were hugely beneficial in connecting me with artists at a similar stage in their careers who share ambitions to push their practices into new territories. It was refreshing to engage with peers committed to critical exchange and experimentation.

One of the most valuable aspects was receiving external perspectives on work in progress - something often missing when working alone in the studio. Fresh viewpoints revealed aspects of the work I had overlooked and challenged me to reconsider certain decisions.

Encountering new ideas and methodologies through the practices of others was equally stimulating. Engaging with a range of research approaches broadened my understanding of where my own practice sits in relation to others."

- Yasmin Vardi

"The group selection was excellent, which meant the practices presented were consistently interesting and inspiring. I also formed friendships that I expect will continue into the future."

- Danny Paparagani

"The Plicnik Crit Sessions created a space for genuine, exploratory, and supportive critical dialogue. In contrast to many art school crits - often constrained by limited time or engagement - the sessions allowed for sustained discussion and rigorous questioning of practice.

This was made possible through the generous time allocated to each presentation, the careful selection of participants, and the commitment of the group. The discussion following my presentation helped resolve several issues I was facing while preparing for an upcoming exhibition."

- Arieh Frosh

"The Plicnik Crit Sessions were extremely valuable both within my practice and beyond. Presenting my work to a new audience helped refine the language and methods I use to articulate my conceptual concerns. It also provided useful experience in delivering an artist talk, with the added benefit of receiving feedback on both content and delivery.

The structure of the crit - combining an overview of past work with works in progress - created a productive balance. It allowed for a clear articulation of previous projects while leaving space to develop new ideas with the group.

The feedback I received was instrumental in advancing several works. Some comments helped shape a project for an international exhibition, while others contributed to finalising the conceptual framework of another piece."

- Michelle Lee Johnson