Championing creativity: Inclusive arts organisations supporting disabled artists

The art world is becoming more inclusive, thanks to organisations dedicated to supporting disabled artists. These groups provide resources, studio spaces, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities, helping artists develop their talents and gain visibility. By celebrating diversity and breaking down barriers, each of these organisations is creating a more welcoming and representative arts community. Here, we highlight some of the inspiring charities making a difference in inclusive arts.

Intoart (London)

Intoart is a London-based arts organisation dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities in their development as visual artists. Founded in 2000, Intoart provides a professional studio space where artists can explore creative practices in drawing, painting, print and design. Their mission is to promote inclusivity in the art world, creating opportunities for learning-disabled artists to showcase their work and build professional art careers. Intoart’s exhibitions, collaborations and public projects challenge perceptions and celebrate the talent and vision of its artists, fostering a more inclusive and diverse art community. intoart.org.uk

Unlimited (Wakefield)

Unlimited is a Wakefield-based arts commissioning programme that funds and supports disabled artists to create ground-breaking work across various disciplines, including theatre, visual art, music, and digital media. Through grants, mentorship, and showcasing opportunities, Unlimited helps artists develop their practice, gain visibility, and engage with broader audiences. In collaboration with partner organisations, Unlimited strives to make the arts sector more inclusive, challenging perceptions and championing the work of disabled artists. Their mission is to celebrate artistic diversity and ensure disabled artists have a strong presence and voice within the cultural landscape. weareunlimited.org.uk

Art in Motion (Bristol)

Art in Motion (AIM) is a Bristol-based organisation that provides creative opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. Through a supportive studio environment, AIM encourages these artists to explore a range of artistic media, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The organisation focuses on promoting self expression, personal growth, and visibility for its artists, often collaborating with local galleries and community events to showcase their work. AIM’s mission is to foster inclusion, celebrate diversity and enable learning disabled artists to pursue meaningful, fulfilling creative practices within the wider arts community. artinmotion45.com

Art Link (Edinburgh)

Artlink Edinburgh is a Scottish organisation that supports learning-disabled and neurodiverse artists by providing creative opportunities and professional development. Through its studio spaces, workshops, and exhibitions, Artlink Edinburgh helps artists build skills and gain visibility in the art world. The organisation aims to create a more inclusive arts sector by offering mentorship, funding, and exhibition opportunities to disabled and neurodiverse artists. By promoting diversity, challenging barriers, and increasing representation, Artlink Edinburgh fosters an environment where artists can flourish and contribute to the cultural landscape of Edinburgh and beyond. artlinkedinburgh.co.uk

Pyramid (Leeds)

Pyramid is a Leeds-based organisation that supports artists with learning disabilities in developing their creative skills and pursuing professional art careers. Founded in 1989, Pyramid provides studio sessions, mentorship and opportunities to exhibit work in galleries and public spaces. Their mission is to empower learning-disabled artists by nurturing their talents, promoting independence and increasing visibility in the art world. Through exhibitions, collaborative projects and community engagement, Pyramid champions inclusivity and celebrates the unique perspectives of its artists, contributing to a more diverse and representative arts sector. pyramid.org.uk

Venture Arts (Manchester)

Venture Arts, based in Manchester, is an arts organisation that works with learning disabled artists to support their creative development and help them build professional art careers. Offering studio sessions in a wide range of art forms—such as ceramics, photography, painting, and textiles—Venture Arts provides a collaborative and inclusive environment where artists can explore and showcase their talents. Through exhibitions, workshops, and partnerships with galleries and cultural institutions, Venture Arts aims to challenge perceptions, advocate for inclusivity, and celebrate the artistic contributions of learning-disabled individuals within the wider art community. venturearts.org

Disability Arts Cymru (DAC) (Wales)

Disability Arts Cymru (DAC) is a Wales-based organisation that supports disabled artists and promotes disability arts across the country. DAC provides a platform for disabled artists to showcase their work, offering funding, professional development, and opportunities for collaboration. By working with artists from various disciplines, including theatre, visual arts, and music, Disability Arts Cymru aims to challenge stereotypes and ensure that disabled artists have access to the resources and networks they need to thrive. Their mission is to foster inclusivity, promote cultural diversity, and champion the rights of disabled artists within the wider arts sector. disabilityarts.cymru