After fifteen years as Co-Director of ActionSpace, Sheryll Catto has been appointed the new Artistic Director & CEO. The role marks an exciting chapter in the organisation’s development as ActionSpace continues to grow and create opportunities for learning-disabled artists.
Sheryll Catto stated, “I would like to thank the Board of Trustees for offering me this opportunity to continue the work Barbara van Heel, and I started some fifteen years ago to develop ActionSpace as a sector leader, advocating for greater inclusion and diversity within the arts and cultural sectors and working in partnership with a growing list of key visual arts organisations to model how this can be done”.
She added, “ActionSpace has come far, but there is still much to do. I will continue working with the Board and our excellent team of staff and freelancers to create opportunities for learning-disabled artists, encouraging them to dream big and supporting them to realise their potential.”
ActionSpace works at the centre of the cultural sector. Their ongoing partnerships with leading cultural organisations such as Studio Voltaire, Camden Art Centre, the Royal Academy of Arts and The British Museum enables them to make a professional career in the visual arts a realistic option for learning-disabled artists.
Studio Projects
At dedicated studios based at Cockpit Arts in Holborn, Studio Voltaire in Clapham and ASC’s Ealing Road Studios in Brent, artists attend weekly Studio Projects and receive guidance and mentoring from our specialist artist facilitators. This supports them in developing their practices and establishing their unique artistic signatures.
Exhibitions
Their exhibition programme allows studio artists to showcase and sell their work. Each artist has at least one opportunity a year to exhibit their work. Participatory events such as Make It Live allows artists to share their practice and engage with others.
Artist Development
The professional development programme is run in partnership with various contemporary arts organisations. The programme aims to provide artists with the same opportunities and experiences available to their peers. ActionSpace encourages artists to take control of their professional practice and supports them by continuing to develop contacts within the visual arts sector to create bespoke projects. The ActionSpace team mentors individuals to submit work for open submission exhibitions, pursue other advertised opportunities, and support their participation.
Beyond the Studio
ActionSpace’s Beyond the Studio programme extends work outside of the studio and responds to the needs and interests of London’s learning-disabled community. We work with partners across London to deliver projects that stimulate, inspire and transform the participants’ lives through building confidence and learning new skills.