What difference does Artbox make?

Learning disabled and autistic people are often underrepresented within the arts and face barriers to accessing creative opportunities, paid work, and full participation in cultural life. Too often, this can lead to isolation and a lack of recognition for people’s talents, ideas, and potential.

Artbox exists to change this. Through long-term, artist-led studio practice, we create the conditions for learning disabled and autistic artists to develop their creative voice, build confidence, and be recognised as artists within contemporary culture.

Our supported studio gives artists the time, space, and encouragement to explore ideas, develop skills, and work at their own pace. Through connecting with peers, engaging with the wider cultural world, and sharing their work through exhibitions, commissions, and public opportunities, artists build confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging.

Where they choose, artists can also earn income from their work, while developing a stronger sense of themselves—and being seen by others—as creative individuals with something valuable to contribute.

How does Artbox create Impact?

Weekly Workshops

Artists develop creative skills and knowledge, express their ideas and identity, build friendships and take part in a creative and inclusive community.

Trips

Artists experience London’s cultural life, discover new artists and ideas, find inspiration through new experiences and build confidence travelling

Exhibitions

Artists have opportunities to feel pride in their creative achievements, share their work with new audiences and get recognised as artists in contemporary culture. Where appropriate, they may also earn income.

Co-facilitated Workshops

Artists build professional skills and confidence through sharing their skills with a range of communities. They experience responsibility and purpose, along with being seen as creative leaders.

Together, these experiences support creative development, confidence, belonging, artist identity and recognition - contributing to greater independence, inclusion and wellbeing.