Autograph has been working with ActionSpace artists since 2018. In 2020, Thompson Hall joined the Transforming Leadership artist development project, where he was mentored by Autograph’s director, Mark Sealy. This led to Thompson becoming Autograph’s first on-site artist-in-residence in 2022, with outcomes including a public display and the acquisition of seven of his artworks by Imperial Health Charity. Autograph’s long-standing relationship with Thompson led to the publishing of his monograph, Colour Is My Signature, in 2024.
Since 2023, Autograph has also worked with ActionSpace to recruit Ophir Yaron and Immanuel Adelowo as co-lead artists of their Family SEND programme. Through this programme, the artists have been supported in developing creative facilitation skills and in sharing their creative practices with children with complex needs. Immanuel was supported through a phased introduction, first working on the programme as an assistant, building up into the role of co-lead artist. As a direct result of this work, Ophir went on to receive further paid employment as a creative facilitator with Great Ormond Street Hospital’s arts programme.
Working with ActionSpace artists means working with the layers of support that surround the artists, provided by ActionSpace in the form of pastoral care provision and creative facilitators with a detailed understanding of each artist’s practice and interests. They help us ensure that the artists can engage in meaningful ways with the programme and the people, and support us to create more accessible structures for delivering this work. Together, we’ve challenged, inspired, and supported each other to develop meaningful and accessible ways of working, which have created new possibilities and opportunities for artists with learning disabilities.
– Livvy Murdoch, Learning and Digital Engagement Manager
