T H E C R I T C O L L E C T I V E
87a C R I T S
A huge thank you to our pilot programme cohort (2025–26), who have been dedicating their time and energy to 87a CRITS since September 2025.
Meeting monthly, this group has been coming together to talk through our work using rehearsal-style conversation as a method, testing ideas out loud, challenging assumptions, and making space for uncertainty within practice. The conversations have been generous, and exciting. It’s been incredible to watch how much thinking, risk-taking, and support has grown within the group over the past months.
The programme has created a much-needed space within Cheltenham’s arts ecology for thoughtful and progressive discussion around objects, processes, and the realities of making work.
Thank you to every member whose commitment, openness, and generosity made this pilot possible:
We’re delighted to welcome these artists into the 87a CRITS alumni community.
With thanks to 87a CRITS facilitators:
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Who opened the doors to their studio, generous beasts they are.
Follow us on instagram @thecritcollective
The 87a CRITS (2026-2027 cohort) are now accepting applications.
To apply, CLICK HERE
Scroll down for Notes from our 2025/26 cohort
© Jo Hepburn. 2024
Notes from our 2025/26 cohort:
"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!"
"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."
"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."
