Larry Achiampong, Delphi Campbell, Russell Martin and Hannah Wallis
What should exist for artists that doesn’t yet? On 22 October, Artists Futures Fund brought together artist Larry Achiampong, Russell Martin of Artquest and artist and AFF alumna Delphi Campbell for a morning of discussion at Hypha × Eastern City Studios, London.
Chaired by Hannah Wallis, curator of Tender Vessels and Co-Programme Director at Grand Union, Speculative Futures: What Should Exist for Artists That Doesn’t Yet? formed part of the public programme accompanying AFF’s 2025–26 Breakthrough Artist Fellowship Showcase. The conversation considered the gaps in support surrounding artistic practice and the possibilities for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Bringing together perspectives from artistic practice, advocacy and artist development, the panel addressed questions of financial security, affordable space, representation and access to opportunity. At its heart was an invitation to think more ambitiously about the structures artists need, and how support might respond more closely to their experiences.
An engaged audience contributed to an open and thoughtful exchange, extending the discussion through questions and shared perspectives. The morning offered an opportunity to reflect on existing approaches, challenge assumptions and stretch our thinking about what could become possible.
For AFF, these conversations help inform how we develop our support for emerging artists facing barriers. Listening to artists, learning from their experiences and creating space for dialogue across the sector are essential to shaping support that makes a lasting difference.
Event Details
Title: Speculative Futures: What Should Exist for Artists That Doesn’t Yet?
Date: Thursday 22 October 2026
Location: Hypha × Eastern City Studios, 130 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 5LY
Part of: Tender Vessels: The 2025–26 Breakthrough Artist Fellowship Showcase
Speakers
Larry Achiampong – Artist
Russell Martin – Artist, writer and arts advocate, Artquest
Delphi Campbell – Artist and former Artists Futures Fund Fellow
Hannah Wallis, Chair – Artist, curator and Co-Programme Director at Grand Union
Our warm thanks to Larry, Russell, Delphi and Hannah, and to everyone who joined us and contributed to the conversation.
Photography credit @carlozambon
A recording of the discussion is here: https://www.artistsfuturesfund.org/talks
Tender Vessels is presented in partnership with Hypha Studios and continues until 28 November 2026.
About Artists Futures Fund
Artists Futures Fund is an independent charity supporting talented emerging visual artists facing significant barriers to building sustainable creative futures.
Founded in 1810 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1827, the charity was formerly known as the Artists’ Benevolent Fund. Today, it provides financial support, studio access, mentoring, professional development, exhibition opportunities and access to networks through its annual Breakthrough Artist Fellowship.
Artists Futures Fund believes that economic hardship, disability, mental-health challenges and other forms of disadvantage should never prevent artists from developing their creative practices and contributing to the UK’s cultural landscape.
The 2026–27 Breakthrough Artist Fellowship
The Fellowship runs from October 2026 to July 2027. Each Fellow receives:
A £10,000 unrestricted stipend
Full-time studio access and use of technical facilities
Individual mentoring
A structured professional-development programme
Public and community engagement opportunities
Regional and London exhibition opportunities
Membership of AFF’s alumni network and continued support beyond the Fellowship
Further information: www.artistsfuturesfund.org
Press enquiries:
Olivia Mason, Director
olivia@artistsfuturesfund.org