Join the Sunny Bank Mills Arts Team in the Old Woollen for a day of inspiring talks aimed at emerging artists, makers and creatives!

The Mills' first official Creative Skills Day cooincides with Ones to Watch 2026. The exhibition returns to the Gallery for its thirteenth year in 2026, showcasing some of the most exciting emerging talent Yorkshire has to offer, bringing together work by artists from across disciplines, from painting to sculpture, film, photography, ceramics, design and more.

The Skills Day is a new addition to our existing Ones to Watch programme, which aims to support young and emerging talent through workshop opportunities, studio residencies and experience working with a professional independent gallery.

The event is open to post-GCSE to PhD level students, recent graduates, self taught artists, and those hoping to kickstart their creative career.

PLEASE NOTE - Under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult. As capacity is limited, free carer tickets are reserved for those with a registered Carer/Personal Assistant.

Topics of the day:

How to photograph your work with Harry Meadley
How to price your work with Anna & Millie from the SBM Arts Team
Diversifying your practice (workshops, markets etc) with Lucy Hook
How to market your work (curating an online presence) with Lydia Nutter
Setting up as a freelancer (landing jobs, self assessment tax, invoicing) with Alice Boulton-Breeze

Running Times:

11:00 - Doors open, teas and coffee

11:15 - Opening (15 min)

11:30 - Masterclass 1 (45 min)

12:15 - Tutorial on how to Price Your Work (20 min)

12:45 - Break/Tour (60 min)

13:45 - Masterclass 2 (45 min)

14:30 - Break (10 min)

14:40 - Masterclass 3 (45 min)

15:25 - Tutorial on how to Photograph Your Work (30 min)

15:45 - Closing Q & A

16:00 - Finish

If you're unable to make the full day, please feel free to drop in during the sessions that are most useful to you. Please ensure you still book a ticket in advance.

Find out more about Ones to Watch on our website > https://www.sunnybankmills.co.uk/arts/gallery/ones-to-watch-2026/