87a CRITS (2025-26)
87a CRITS was a pilot programme developed from The Crit Collective, establishing a more focused and sustained structure for critique. Taking place over six months (Sept 2025-Feb 2026), it brought together a committed group of artists meeting monthly in my Cheltenham studio.
The programme centred on close attention to objects in space, supporting in-depth discussion around material, process, and the conditions of making. Each session was shaped in response to the group, allowing for a more deliberate and continuous form of dialogue to develop over time.
87a CRITS extended critique as an ongoing practice, a way of thinking through work collectively, testing its position, and interrogating how it operates in the world. It created a localised space for bold, process-driven enquiry outside of major urban centres.
Testimonials
"87A has felt exciting, underground, DIY. Artists meeting purely out of a want to discuss their ideas is a beautiful thing to me. It has left an imprint on my practice and I am very grateful for Jo and Evie for letting us into their studio."
"87A Crits has been a real benefit to my arts practice. Engaging with artists at different stages of their careers, in a safe and supportive environment, opened up a space where I felt comfortable bringing unfinished or uncertain work. The responses I received genuinely helped to shape and evolve the direction of my practice."
"It’s been an honour to be part of 87a CRITS inaugural cohort: regular sessions produced with verve, intensity, humour and cake by Jo Hepburn and Evie Lucas. We got stuck in immediately, everyone was open to this type of artist led critique and things were interesting and honest from the start - no holding back, plenty of space for truly open minded discussion, wondering, sharing knowledge and sometimes vociferously exchanging views on certain aspects of art making.. good stuff!"