UKNA, Robert Walters and Saatchi Gallery Explore the Future of Work

UKNA is proud to partner with the Robert Walters and Saatchi Gallery for an artistic exploration of how the legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic will reshape the future of work.

The discussion

In a week-long social media event, taking place 3-9 August 2020, Saatchi Gallery, UKNA and Robert Walters called on their followers to share artwork that provokes discussion about how the change and experiences of the lockdown period have influenced the world of business.

Followers were invited to submit their creations on Instagram using the hashtags #SAATCHITAKEOVER and #FutureofWork. The ten best submissions were selected and showcased on Saatchi Gallery’s social media channels to over six million followers.

Live sessions

During the week-long social media event, Saatchi Gallery hosted two Instagram Live sessions designed to equip emerging and established artists with practical advice and insight to help them navigate their careers in the post-pandemic landscape.

The first session took place on 4 August 2020, when Robert Walters UK Young Artist of the Year 2019 Award winner and runner-up, Conor Rogers and Camilla Hanney shared their lockdown experiences, the impact of their award wins, and top tips for growing an artistic career.

Camilla Hanney’s ‘The Fragile Texture of our Desires’ at Saatchi Gallery. Photography by Reece Straw.

Conor Rogers with his work ‘Sticky Fingers’ at Saatchi Gallery. Photography by Reece Straw.

The second session, ‘The Business of Creativity’, on 6 August 2020 was a live discussion between Martin Knox, former creative director of Next and artist Michael Forbes as they explored how practices traditionally adopted in the corporate world can be used to articulate and develop artistic identity.

You can view both of these sessions over on Saatchi Gallery’s instagram, on the videos tab.

Michael Forbes, one of the judges of the Robert Walters Group UK Young Artist of the Year Award, 2019. Photography by Reece Straw.

Martin Knox, former creative director of Next. Creative thinker who works with the spirit of organisations.

Robert Walters, Chief Executive of the Robert Walters commented:

“The abrupt onset of the Covid-19 virus brought an extraordinary shift in where, when and how we work, impacting industries around the globe. As the world emerges from this crisis, we are delighted to collaborate with Saatchi Gallery and UKNA to reflect on the changes we’ve experienced and explore how these will shape the future of work.”