Initiatives for Disabled Artists You Should Know
The mainstream art world has a troublesome tendency to overlook disabled artists. These initiatives are working to change that.
This curated list of initiatives for disabled artists includes organizations, magazines, and online spaces that create opportunities and offer resources for artists with disabilities.
They are all devoted to highlighting talented artists on their platforms, in exhibitions and editorial content.
Disability Arts Online
Disability Arts Online is a British disability-led organization that supports disabled artists by offering a platform for thoughts, resources, listings, and inspiration. They publish editorials like opinion pieces, reviews and interviews, a podcast, and a blog that provides disabled artists and writers with a space to give readers an inside view of their art practice.
SICK Magazine
SICK is an independent print magazine by chronically ill and disabled people with the mission to increase representation of sick and disabled people in the arts and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.
For each issue, SICK runs a submission call for international artists and writers that identify as disabled or sick. Accepted contributors are paid 11p per word and £45 for visual art and poetry. Follow SICK on Instagram for news about current and future calls.
lutte
lutte, pronounced ‘loot,’ is a space highlighting disabled and chronically ill artists through artist takeovers on their Instagram and a longer monthly artist feature on their website. lutte is accepting ongoing art submissions from disabled and chronically ill artists via email, make sure to read their submissions guidelines before submitting.
On their website, you’ll also find a list of resources with insightful readings on sickness and disability topics.
Shape Arts
Shape Arts is a disability-led arts organization that provides opportunities for disabled artists, trains cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and runs participatory arts and development programs, with the goal of improving access to culture for people with disabilities. The organization also produces a yearly exhibition highlighting disabled artists.
We previously published their resource How to Plan an Accessible Exhibition in ArtConnect Magazine. You’ll find more accessibility resources for artists and art organizations on their website.
Able Zine
Able Zine is a print magazine that seeks to increase representation for disabled and chronically ill creatives. Their first issue was released in 2019, filled with vivid, informative content tackling ableism. Currently, their Instagram functions as their online space, with artist highlights, information, and resources.
Unlimited
Unlimited is an arts commissioning program, delivered by Shape Arts & Artsadmin, that enables new work by disabled artists to reach the UK and international audiences. Since 2013, the program has provided nearly £4 million to 280 disabled artists through commissions, awards, and support, making it the largest supporter of disabled artists worldwide. Keep up with their social media channels for information on commissioning rounds and more.
Tangled Art + Disability
Tangled Art + Disability is a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing opportunities for artists with disabilities. Tangled is dedicated to connecting professional and emerging artists, the arts community, and a diverse public through creative and artistic excellence.
On their website, you will find opportunities, accessibility resources, past projects, and more.
Discover Contemporary Art
ArtConnect is the leading destination to discover emerging contemporary artists worldwide.
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