About Us
Artbox London is a registered charity and social enterprise that runs a programme of art workshops, cultural trips, hosts exhibitions and creates sales opportunities for artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists.
Our workshops are hosted in our accessible and welcoming studio space in Islington. Our workshops allow artists to explore their creative interests and develop their artistic skills using a variety of techniques and materials. These sessions are abuzz with creativity and conversation as our artists paint, draw, print, sculpt and make friends or work independently. Working with our team of Art Facilitators and volunteers, the artists make striking original artworks, expressing their individuality and unique personalities.
We also offer opportunities for our artists to exhibit their work and go on trips to explore the cultural offerings around them in London. Our exhibitions (and online shop) showcase their talent, bringing deserved recognition to our community and changing attitudes about what our artists can achieve.
Regular visits to galleries and museums inspire the artists and help them develop new ideas. Trips also help our artists become familiar with cultural venues, increase their confidence and independence, while simultaneously their visibility is increased within London’s cultural centres.
Who are our artists?
Our artists are a group of around 80 people with learning disabilities and autistic people who develop their creative practice every week in the Artbox London studio. They travel to the studio from across London, span decades of different ages and simultaneously represent the local community and cultures across the world!
Often the people we work with have faced barriers to full inclusion in society. Working with our artists since 2011, we have found that acting with care, taking an individualised approach, and being led by the artists and people who know them best can help to remove these barriers. This has allowed us to make creativity accessible and fun, as well as foster a safe and supportive community.
You can find out more about each of our artists here.
Our Mission
Our Values
Creativity – We are creative in everything we do, from our art workshops to how we include our artists in decision making.
Joy – We prioritise enjoyment in all aspects of our programme, maintaining this through a friendly environment.
Individuality – We celebrate individuality and support our artists to follow their own goals and interests.
Choice - We ensure all artists have control over their decisions and activities, fostering independence and self-determination.
Ambition - We work to increase the opportunities for our artists, working to raise their aspirations, develop their skills while also increasing visibility for artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists.
Community - Artbox London is a safe, welcoming and accessible place where artists feel a sense of belonging and inclusion. This is the heart of Artbox London.
Click on the videos below to learn more about the artists:
