About Us

ArtWorks is...
An artist collective,
A network of supported studios
A place of opportunities
‍
And a safe creative environment designed for anyone who would like to make art, who has learning disabilities and/or is autistic.

How it All Started

ArtWorks began in 2015 and has grown to become a respected organisation supporting
120 artists, 39 employees, and operating four supported studios across South Yorkshire.
What began as a dream to make day-care more fulfilling, person-centred and fun, has developed into something we could never have imagined.

Across the UK there are an estimated 1.5 million people with learning disabilities and/or who are autistic. ArtWorks looks for the best ways to unlock talent and bring artists from these communities into wider recognition, through dedicated studios, exhibitions, an international festival, cultural sector volunteering and film production.

Our Vision is a world in which everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in arts and culture.
Our mission is to raise the aspirations of people with learning disabilities and/or who are autistic - to reach their goals and fulfill their potential as artists, by encouraging ambition and nurturing talent to freely thrive through collaboration, creative projects and community activities.