Getting work in the art industry can be a rough ride, filled with mystery, elitism and BS. 'Give me a break' hears from those who've made it work their way, often against the odds. Hosted by Harriet Lloyd-Smith, Plaster's managing editor, the podcast is not a career how-to guide; it's a series of honest stories about different paths to success (however that's defined). Spoiler alert: nothing was easy.
Give me a break
Claim This Podcastby Plaster Magazine
11 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇬🇧
23
Podcast Authority
BetaPoorBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality16
Social0
YouTube76
Engagement0
Podcast Overview
Getting work in the art industry can be a rough ride, filled with mystery, elitism and BS. 'Give me a break' hears from those who've made it work their way, often against the odds. Hosted by Harriet Lloyd-Smith, Plaster's managing editor, the podcast is not a career how-to guide; it's a series of honest stories about different paths to success (however that's defined). Spoiler alert: nothing was easy.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/25/2025
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23
Podcast Authority
BetaPoorBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality16
Social0
YouTube76
Engagement0
6
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1
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12
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excellent
Episode Length
56 minutes
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Every 12 days
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Recent Episodes
November 4, 2025
Tai Shani
<p>On Give me a break this week, Harriet’s guest is the artist Tai Shani. Tai was born in London in 1976, and had an unconventional, hippyish childhood, including time spent in a psychedelic community in Goa, which offered her a liberal perspective, but as she puts it, a slightly mangled relationship with authority. </p><p>She always knew she’d be an artist, but it’s been a road filled with detours. From working as a fashion photographer in the 1990s to crafting dildos for a lesbian sex shop (that’s Doctor Dildo to you). It’s no surprise then, that Tai’s eclectic background is reflected in her practice. Tai is an architect of myth, moving between performance, film, installation (whatever medium feels right at the time) and experimental text, which underpins her work. In her epic, sci-fi infused universes – some of which are years in duration – Christine de Pizan meets hallucinogenic fungi, cosmic slime meets feminine excess, and forgotten histories are reimagined. </p><p>In 2019, she made history when she won the Turner Prize, sharing the honour alongside three other nominees, who collectively asked to share the award in a statement of solidarity. Alongside her work, Tai has been a longtime tutor in contemporary art practice (she was recently named a visiting professor at the Royal College of Art), which has given her a window onto the challenges facing emerging artists today. In this conversation, Tai and Harriet talk rejection, learning curves, performances gone wrong, bad crits (you know we love disaster on GMAB), and even going TikTok viral (like proper viral) with her recent installation at Somerset House. Tai also reflects poignantly on the grief of losing her mother, to whom her current show at Gathering is dedicated. </p><p>"I've always tried to use the spite of rejection as a way to be like 'I'll show you.' Because I've had a lot of it, and my trajectory wasn't smooth, really, at all."</p>
October 14, 2025
Sadie Coles
<p>If anyone on the London art scene needs no introduction, it’s probably Sadie Coles. Born in 1963, Sadie studied art history and film at Middlesex University before cutting her teeth in the press office at the National Theatre and Bristol's Arnolfini. She learnt the "value of art" with a training from dealer Anthony d’Offay, and later managed Jeff Koons’ studio in New York – all before opening her eponymous gallery in 1997.</p><p><br>Often dubbed the “godmother” of the YBAs (a title she humbly disputes), Sadie played a key role in launching the careers of artists like Sarah Lucas and Angus Fairhurst. Nearly three decades on she remains at the epicentre of the London art world, constantly evolving her programme and championing a dynamic, international roster that includes Martine Syms, Matthew Barney, Jordan Wolfson, Alvaro Barrington, Arthur Jafa, and previous GMAB guest, Monster Chetwynd. In 2021, she was awarded an OBE for services to art. </p><p><br>Sadie's community-focused ethos extends to initiatives like The Shop, a recently opened project space with a rolling lineup of guest curators, and ‘Gargle’, her monthly series of live events. Coinciding with Frieze London 2025, she’ll open a brand-new flagship gallery: a 6,000 sq ft Georgian townhouse on Savile Row.</p><p><br>In this episode of Give me a break, Harriet and Sadie take it from the top – unpacking the moments, instincts, and relationships that shaped one of the most influential figures in contemporary art. Along the way, they get into the misconceptions, the myths of the art dealer, and how Sadie has learned to bat away the BS.</p><p><br>“Culture is important. It’s a response to a need in a society, that’s why the museums are full. That’s why people go to cultural events of all sorts. We need something that is reflecting humanity, that is discussing the difficulties of being a human being in the world today.”</p>
September 16, 2025
Ben Luke
<p>For the next episode of GMAB, we’re with one of the most insightful and dedicated arts critics around: Ben Luke. If you’re in the art world orbit, you will have heard his voice, you’ve maybe even preordered his new book, possibly begged to go on his podcast. Ben is a contributing editor at The Art Newspaper, and hosts of two of its podcasts, The Week in Artand A Brush With, exploring the cultural experiences and greatest influences of everyone who’s anyone who’s an artist. Ben cut his teeth in the press office of Tate, was Deputy Editor and Features Editor of the late Art World Magazine, and went on to become an art critic at The Evening Standard before joining The Art Newspaper. He’s written essays and catalogues on the likes of Michael Craig‑Martin, Sean Scully, Phyllida Barlow, and is a member of the advisory board for the UK’s Government Art Collection – above all, he's a devout believe that art enthusiasm and criticism can go hand in hand. Now, with over 120 podcast guests under his belt (from Arthur Jafa to Marlene Dumas), he's come to known a thing or two about navigating the art world with curiosity, care, and a healthy amount of scepticism. Ahead of the release of his new book, What is art for? Contemporary artists on their inspirations, influences and disciplines, Harriet picks Ben's brains on 25 years of being an art critic (spoiler: there's joy, self-doubt, pain and tears), shamelessly harvests podcast tips from one of the best in the biz, and turns the tables to ask Ben his own favourite question, with a twist: what are critics for?</p><p><br></p><p>"One of the things about being a freelancer is just dealing with the knocking down, the pitches where you're desperate to write for somebody and they just aren’t interested.”</p>
11 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Give me a break?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
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This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
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No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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