In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, art curator Amber Creswell Bell is featured by the Professional Artist Association (ProfessionalArtist.com/join), the world's fastest-growing global community for committed fine artists.

Amber is a PAA Faculty member, curator, author, and advocate for emerging creatives. As Director of Emerging Art at Michael Reid Galleries for six years and founder of the National Emerging Art Prize, she has championed unrepresented artists and created platforms that amplify their voices.

In this episode, Amber dives deep into the strategies and principles that define her work. She shares how she identifies and supports emerging artists, the methods she uses to help them find their voice and audience, and actionable ways to create platforms that foster community and growth. She also explores how artists can balance the demands of the art world with staying true to their creative vision, offering practical advice for navigating the industry while maintaining authenticity.

This conversation is packed with insights and inspiration for any creative looking to advance their career and make a meaningful impact in the art world.

“Don't sit back in your quiet studio and wait for it to come to you. I think the burning lesson there is that you really need to be proactive.”

– Amber Creswell Bell

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

01:10 Championing Emerging Artists and Creating Platforms

02:08 Amber’s Artistic Inspirations and Cy Twombly’s Influence

04:03 Approaching Galleries: Common Mistakes and Best Practices

09:01 Amber’s Transition from Corporate Career to Curator

13:06 Making Art Accessible: Exhibitions and Inclusive Approaches

15:18 Creating Opportunities: Pop-Up Exhibitions and Collaboration

17:00 Pivotal Moments: Curating First Show and Working with Michael Reid

19:39 Founding the National Emerging Art Prize

22:19 Writing Books: Breaking Down Barriers in the Art World

27:02 The Role of Books and Digital Platforms in Promoting Art

29:02 Social Media and Balancing Content Creation with Art Practice

31:04 Final Advice: Be Proactive, Push Past Comfort Zones, and Stay Engaged

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here:

https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/deep-dives-vault/amber-creswell-bell

Links to artworks discussed:

1. Her artworks can be seen in the YouTube version of this podcast here.

Resources:

• Michael Reid Galleries: https://michaelreid.com.au
• The National Emerging Art Prize: https://nationalemergingartprize.com

Connect with Amber:

• Website: https://www.ambercreswell.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amber_creswell_bell

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

• Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
• Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalartistaccelerator

Free training and resources:

• Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-your-next-3-fine-art-collectors/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2025-06
• Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report/?utm_source=PODCAST&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=free_report

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