The visual arts and cultural sectors are facing challenges in removing invisible barriers, exclusionary designs, and intersectional structures that prevent equitable access to participation for many, especially disabled and learning-disabled artists.

At the recent ‘Opening Up The World: A Multisensorial Approach to the Future of Visual Arts’ event at UCL PEARL, Jo Townshend, Chair-Director of CVAN London, spoke with Sheryll Catto, Artistic Director & CEO of ActionSpace about ways to open up opportunities for learning-disabled artists, particularly those with high support needs.

Supporting Artistic Practices

ActionSpace supports learning-disabled artists to develop and sustain successful artistic practices. They work with 60-70 artists on a regular weekly basis through their supported studio programme, run from dedicated studios at Studio Voltaire in South London, Cockpit Bloomsbury in Central London and ASC Studios in North West London. Each artist has their own unique needs and goals.

For some artists, their studio practice offers a means of communication, expression and self-reflection without the desire for public exposure. For others, particularly more and more of the younger artists now joining the organisation, there is a strong ambition to develop a professional practice, engage with the wider cultural sector, and exhibit and sell their work. This shift in ambition among young learning-disabled artists is a positive sign of change, highlighting the growing belief that these artists can and should aim high.

ActionSpace has been integral in developing the careers of artists such as Nnena Kalu, who is currently exhibiting at the prestigious Manifesta 15 Biennial in Barcelona, alongside internationally recognized artists. Nnena’s progress has been transformative. Through ActionSpace, she now has her own solo studio at Studio Voltaire, sells her work and receives commissions that sustain her practice. ActionSpace manages her studio, providing her with the support, resources, conducive environment, and creative autonomy needed for her to be able create her work. They also advocate for her, secure development and exhibition opportunities, and oversee her projects and archive.

ActionSpace’s tailored approach ensures each artist’s practice is matched with the right opportunities. Sheryll explains that knowing their artists well allows them to identify which projects best align with the artist’s interests and themes. Sometimes, this means suggesting a different artist than initially considered, resulting in more meaningful and successful collaborations.

Fostering Success through Access and Support

A key aspect of ActionSpace’s success is its experience, understanding and advocacy for the access needs of learning-disabled artists. Access considerations—whether related to physical environments, communication, or creative support—are essential to enabling artists to thrive. Without accommodating these needs, opportunities are inaccessible.

The organization uses Access Riders as a tool to open dialogue between artists and project partners. These riders help both parties understand the support and conditions necessary for a successful collaboration. This honest conversation allows galleries and partners to determine if they can realistically meet the artist’s needs, ensuring that the project is mutually beneficial and feasible.

For example, budget considerations play a key role in determining a project’s accessibility. Having an adequate budget for facilitation or creative support is non-negotiable, but ActionSpace is willing to work creatively with the partner organisation to try and find solutions and make projects successful. This proactive, partner-based approach leads to stronger, more equitable working relationships between artists and organizations.

Shifting Perceptions of Learning-Disabled Artists

Sheryll emphasizes that the most important factor in appreciating the work of neurodivergent and learning-disabled artists is the art itself.

When audiences and galleries engage with the work first, without preconceived notions about the artist’s background, it creates a more authentic and respectful appreciation of their art.

However, galleries must also be open to showcasing artists who haven’t followed traditional routes through major art schools. Many of ActionSpace’s artists haven’t taken these conventional paths, yet their work holds equal artistic merit. Successful partnerships are built on mutual respect, shared goals, and an understanding that the gallery is as invested in the artist’s work as the artist is in the gallery’s mission.

Redefining Success for Learning-Disabled Artists

Ultimately, success for neurodivergent and learning disabled artists comes from their ability to engage in the art world on their own terms. This includes flexibility in project planning, open communication, and a willingness to adapt to each artist’s evolving needs.

Addressing the fear of “getting it wrong” is key to creating more inclusive opportunities.

Sheryll’s vision for change centers on this adaptability and an artist-first approach. Treating each artist as an individual, with specific needs and unique creative processes, is not only best practice but essential for the long-term success and equity