Advocacy and Support
Art Riot Collective (ARC) advocates for increased visibility and representation of hyper-marginalised disabled and neurodivergent artists, amplifying their voices and supporting autonomy in creative and curatorial practice. Over the past three years, ARC has developed a responsive model that centres co-design, ensuring artists actively shape programmes, structures, and decision-making processes.
Through local and national training programmes, ARC creates developmental opportunities for artists, allies, institutions, galleries, and educational settings. This work supports the growth of disabled leadership within the arts, diversifies cultural ecologies, and drives systemic change. As part of this trajectory.
ARC’s approach is underpinned by occupational therapy-informed methodologies, which challenge structural inequalities and embed creative practice within wider social and care frameworks. Strengths and needs assessments—developed in partnership with Coventry City Council Commissioning and Central England Law Centre—ensure that artistic development is integrated into social care planning. Trainee occupational therapists provide tailored support, enabling sustainable and meaningful participation.
The organisation maintains strong relationships with supported studios, local authorities, and national partners to develop place-based solutions and advocate for sector-wide change. Research and development activity captures artists’ aspirations and informs future planning, highlighting a demand for increased opportunities in facilitation, collaboration, and exhibition-making. ARC also shares its model through internal and external training initiatives, contributing to broader sector learning.
National consultation and partnerships, including work with Jade French and collaboration with Sense, support the development of inclusive governance structures and alternative approaches to arts education. These initiatives strengthen ARC’s oversight board, ensuring leadership is rooted in lived experience.
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