Action Space
“I like doing this, I'm using my brain” — Umbreen, participant
Established in 1984, Action Space is London's leading visual arts organisation for artists with learning disabilities. Working with both beginning or established artists, Action Space provides art materials, studio spaces to work and exhibition opportunities. The organisation runs projects throughout London and has developed partnerships between boroughs and with other arts and disability organisations.
The organisation works with people of all ages, with mild to profound learning disabilities, and encourages their integration into the community by running projects in arts venues. Participants learn new skills by participating in their workshops and projects and have the opportunity to work on various arts, for example, photography, sculpture, mosaic, and painting. Those who join the workshops contribute to all areas of project organisation and management, and have opportunities to become workers and volunteers.
Permanent studio spaces include the ‘Cockpit Arts’ in Central London and the ‘Studio Voltaire and ACAVA’s Barnham Park Studios in Brent. Groups from the studios exhibit and sell their work in mainstream venues. In May 2007, the Cockpit Arms group worked alongside the ‘Camden Young People's project’ to create an exciting exhibition for Camden Arts Centre. In addition, they had work on display in a major exhibition at the new University College London Hospital in June 2007.
More recently they have delivered a number of Bronze and Silver awards for young artists with learning disabilities. All the young people, aged between 16 and 25, who work with them have the option of completing an Arts Award. This will give them an accreditation that can be built on throughout their artist career. Arts Award offers young people an opportunity to explore their own interest in art and grow in confidence as an arts leader. ActionSpace has partnered with many arts organisations within London to offer a wide range of artistic experiences and to ensure Arts Award can be inclusive and achievable for young people of all ability.
In the 2018-22 National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding round, ActionSpace was one of only 4 organisations in London to be awarded an uplift in funding.
Their work with high profile cultural organisations such as the Royal Academy of Arts, Camden Arts Centre, The Museum of Everything, Outside In/Pallant House Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery has helped to establish a place for neurodivergent artists in the contemporary arts sector. They are part of the European Outsider Art Association.
They have delivered a number of Bronze and Silver awards for young artists with learning disabilities. All the young people, aged between 16 and 25, who work with them have the option of completing an Arts Award. This will give them an accreditation that can be built on throughout their artist career. Arts Award offers young people an opportunity to explore their own interest in art and grow in confidence as an arts leader. ActionSpace has partnered with many arts organisations within London to offer a wide range of artistic experiences and to ensure Arts Award can be inclusive and achievable for young people of all ability.
Quotes
“I love it here, I really love it.” — Ali, participant
Created 8th January 2013. Updated 2021
Action Space benefits from Attend membership, which includes comprehensive charity insurance cover. For more information, or to join, please click here.
