The first ever Sessions Arts Convention for the Unconventional took place on Wednesday 15th July 2026. The gathering of Lincolnshire based freelance performing artists and creative people, provided an opportunity for sharing and celebrating skills, passion and artistic ambitions.​

 

Thanks to ongoing support from East Lindsey District Council and Arts Council England, in 2025 Sessions Arts provided work for 144 freelance artists, the majority of whom were Lincolnshire based. The Convention for the Unconventional had a particular focus on aspirations for the continued growth of this vital aspect of Lincolnshire's cultural ecology. During the day the Sessions Arts team announced an artist commission for this autumn, along with other future work opportunities for Lincolnshire artists including the "Opening of the Doors" - an event which will take place in 2027 to celebrate the launch of the Spilsby Sessions House.

 

In the afternoon session, attending 'Unconventionals' took part in a workshop exploring 'excellence' which provided much food for thought. This led into a circle discussion about ambitions for "All Rise" - the Sessions Arts artist development programme, which it is hoped will utilise Spilsby Sessions House as a creation centre facility and support more artistic work being 'made in Lincolnshire'. This unconventional gathering was full of passionate, enthusiastic people with the ability and ambition to create more great Lincolnshire produce!  ​​​