About Us
ArtWorks is
- An artists collective
- A network of supported studios
- A place of opportunities
We're changing things by creating accessible professional environments and new opportunities for artists who have a learning disabilities or are autistic, or both.
ArtWorks is
- An artist collective,
- A network of supported studios
- A place of opportunities
We're championing change by providing a accessible professional environments for anyone who is creative, has learning disabilities and/or is autistic.
How it all started
ArtWorks began in 2015 and has grown to become a respected non-profit supporting 120 artists, 39 employees, and operating four supported studios across South Yorkshire. What began as a dream to make day care more person-centred, fulfilling 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 - Community activities
Our Impact
10
Community Outreach Initiatives in 2025
15%
Increase in Commissions for Artists
120
local artists supported from communities across South Yorkshire
