The network works in partnership with alumni to create professional development opportunities including work experience and professional training. It is also a social group with alumni events taking place in the National Gallery as well as in other institutions across the country.
Articulation alumni have been invited to take part in National Gallery programming including writing the Picture of the Month, delivering Members’ talks, and taking part in panel discussions. Alumni are now planning upcoming seminars and workshops across the country.
Below you can watch alumna Qabir talking to the audience at the 2025 Grand Final about his Articulation experience:
Every summer, alumni come together for an annual Alumni Day which includes a tour and introduction to an art space and art professionals. This is a social day for alumni to get to know each other as well as gain access to art professionals and different elements (perhaps unknown) of the art world. In July 2025, alumni gathered at the National Gallery and had tours of the collection as well as going behind-the-scenes into the Framing Department and also Art Handling. Alumni also had the opportunity to give feedback in shaping the future of the Alumni network.
During the evening, some alumni gave public gallery talks as part of the Friday Late.
Articulation alumni on a private tour of Art Handling at the National Gallery with Pat O'Sullivan, Head of Art Handling.
Alumni watching Peter Schade, Head of Framing carve frames in his workshop at the National Gallery.
Articulation Alumni visiting Framing at the National Gallery.
Curator Christopher Riopelle speaks to Articulation Alumni about the new hang at the National Gallery.
Articulation alumni regularly return to the National Gallery to share their insights, creativity, and passion for art as part of the Gallery’s vibrant Friday Lates programme. From delivering 10-minute talks on celebrated works to offering poetic and performative responses, alumni bring fresh perspectives to the collection.
Highlights include talks by Qabir Alli, Oliver Garland, and Freya Mears on paintings featured in the Take One Picture programme, and a powerful spoken-word response to Giampietrino’s Salome by alumna Femi Themen. Alumni have also taken part in panel discussions with curators and specialists, and have spoken at Parliament and various other institutions around the country, contributing thoughtful dialogue on art, interpretation, and public engagement. These contributions showcase the continued impact of the Articulation initiative and the voices it helps to amplify.
Two alumni were asked to choose an image from the National Gallery collection and write a personal response. Picture of the Month is the National Gallery’s oldest continuing programme, beginning in the WWII.
Read alumna Catherine’s response to Rubens’s ‘Roman Triumph’ – October 2023
Read alumna Nicole’s response to Murillo’s ‘Infant Saint John with the Lamb’ - July 2022
Articulation Alumni can gain valuable experience at the National Gallery, supporting education and public programmes. Opportunities include working on family workshops at the new Roden Centre for Creative Learning, developing skills in arts engagement, museum education, and creative learning. This year, over thirty Articulation Alumni took part in these activites, gaining hands-on experience across the National Gallery’s programmes.
Alumni were invited to by The Girdlers' Company to visit their famous Bell Carpet. Alumni were greeted by former National Gallery director, Neil MacGregor OM, who spoke to alumni about this masterpiece of weaving and its international heritage. Out of this, alumni will take this experience forward, planning seminars and workshops around carpets, international artistic transfer, and the meaning of textiles. This will inform National Gallery programming.
Read what some of our Alumni had to say about their experience of the Articulation Prize:
"The Articulation Prize was a catalyst for my subsequent studies in Art History. While at university, the opportunity to work on Discovery Days was invaluable experience. I learnt so much about facilitating conversation and encouraging close-looking and confident delivery. The opportunity to assist on these Discovery Days with no prior experience (and a lot to learn!) was a rare and valuable opportunity which gave me the confidence to continue engaging in gallery-based education and helped me get my current job at the National Portrait Gallery."
Beatrice Dallas, Articulation alumna
"I never felt as if I was a natural public speaker, but through talking about art and having the encouragement of the Articulation team, I was able to build a foundation of confidence when presenting. Four years later I am now in a job that involves a lot of presenting and talking to people. Before Articulation this would have been unimaginable!"
Articulation alumni
"I still credit Articulation and the fantastic opportunities provided via the alumni network for much of my career progression!"
Articulation alumni
