The Making Space was a studio space within the gallery where groups and members of the public could develop their own work using prompts set out by ARC and artists Lorsen Camps and Betsy Bradley.
ARC’s mission is to develop a community of Disabled and Neurodivergent Artists and supporters, providing access to high quality creative practice, connections and cultural spaces.
Hear from Kyla Craig:
When we were invited to contribute to The Reason for Painting we didn't expect the connection and warmth the people involved gave us.
Quite often galleries and museums can be frightening places for people to be in. They can feel like the space belongs to established artists who are known for their work. Some other galleries won't show local artists work and it is extremely difficult for emerging artists to become involved.
The Mead gallery changed this for Art Riot Collective.
Thomas Ellmer (Exhibitions Curator) visited the Art Riot Studio space, saw where the work was created and talked to us about what was important, our values and mission.
It felt that we started to develop a strong relationship very early on with the Mead gallery and there was a genuine interest in the work made in the studio.
The process of being part of the exhibition felt very easy, informal and conversational, this meant that the artists could be part of the process.
Thomas invited us to be part of the curation process, laying works of artwork out and seeing what worked well in the space alongside other artists who were part of the exhibition. Art Riot Collective were part of the development of the exhibition. This felt really empowering.
This consideration then went onto thinking about how disabled and/or neurodivergent artists would engage in the exhibition and the space itself. Which led to the development of some accessible interpretations for the exhibition Making Space, using symbols and easier to read formats, as well as BSL and Makaton films.
Watching neurodivergent artists Roxanne and Issy seeing the makaton instructions about the making space was really amazing. Seeing the smile on their faces and their happiness to be there. It helped them to engage in the space, they seemed relaxed and had a clear understanding of what to do.
This should be a norm in all public spaces, but for now the Mead Gallery lead, and it really allowed us to see what was possible and to push for better practice.
The Making Space within the gallery when Art Riot Collective were there made all the artists and supporters feel welcome. The space was a replication of the Art Riot Studio, so it felt very familiar. It allowed people to engage with the exhibition more, it gave people a creative role and outlet. It allowed people to laugh and connect in the gallery space.
The Making Space itself was given equal value to the work, creating the right environment for creativity to happen! As well as the Collective itself being an important element, and a feature within the exhibition.
I wonder how the space would have been received without this and if really a Making Space should be part of every exhibition, allowing people to respond to artists who are exhibiting?
The whole team was immensely friendly and helpful, we felt welcomed, and the relationships built have continued. Thomas, Tara and Gemma were all really approachable and shared the same enthusiasm and values as us. Everyone worked hard to get it right for Art Riot Collective Artists and supporters.
Art Riot Collective are at the start of their journey as an organisation. There are processes that we need to learn about and systems that potentially other galleries would have in place.
However, the way the Mead Gallery engaged felt like the best way, so maybe sharing this practice is more important than contacts and paperwork.
Building relationships and opportunities for emerging disabled and/or neurodivergent artists, especially those who have not been through formal routes and do not use words to communicate is so important. Again, the Mead Gallery really are leading on this from our perspective!
The whole experience has helped the whole collective develop. Artists came and spent time in an exhibition space, were recognised and valued for their work. Artists were inspired by how 2D can take a more 3D form and that sculpture can play a part in mark-making.
The Artists’ practices have developed as the Mead Gallery has given recognition and value to their practice. This has led to other opportunities with other galleries and spaces as well.
Overall, there is a strong sense that local artists and makers should have a place at the Mead Gallery and that local people and connections play a huge part in Warwick Arts Centre as a whole.
There is a strong sense across the whole team there that this is a place that everyone should be able to access and be part of.
We thoroughly enjoyed being part of The Reason For Painting, and we cannot wait for what comes next!
– Kyla Craig
