Art et al. is a new curatorial platform highlighting neurodivergent, intellectually, and learning disabled art practices internationally.
Launched in April 2021, Art et al. is an international, inclusive curatorial platform of collaborations between artists from supported studios, peers, and arts professionals highlighting diverse voices and creative practices. A supported studio is a creative environment for individuals with specific health or social needs that encourages and supports the different practices of artists. Initial content is primarily focused on the artistic exchange between the UK and Australia further broadening internationally in 2022. These collaborations and partnerships result in commissioned writing, original multimedia content, and both digital and in-person exhibitions, expanding the scope, role, and definition of contemporary art.
Art et al. is founded by Sim Luttin and Arts Project Australia (Melbourne); Jennifer Lauren Gallery (Manchester); and Slominski Projects (London). These founding partners identified a need for more inclusive programming and access points into the contemporary arts sector for neurodivergent, intellectually, and learning disabled artists to be seen, heard, and participate. Art et al. is shaped by Australian and UK advisory groups of artists who self-identify as neurodivergent, and intellectually or learning disabled and provide essential feedback for the cross-cultural growth of the platform.
The platform is an ongoing initiative releasing new content monthly. Highlights from last month’s launch include Art et al.’s first iteration of Curating Collections: Antidote—a commissioned presentation by artist Michael Camakaris (Arts Project Australia) and the Cranford Collection, one of Europe’s most significant private collections of contemporary art; and texts by Ella Fleck and Double Negative Editor Mike Pinnington.
Released on the platform today is the Art et al.’s second Peer/Peer Collaboration—a series that commissions new open-ended artistic output between two artists internationally, with one artist working from a supported studio. Peer/Peer 02 is a collaboration between artists Thom Roberts (Studio A, Sydney) and Cherelle Sappleton (Ramsgate). Our debut Peer/Peer 01 was between artists David James (Venture Arts, Manchester) and Alasdair McLuckie (Sydney).
Forthcoming content includes interviews by Sonia Boué with Project Art Works (Hastings) on their recent Turner Prize nomination, and Summertime’s Sophia Cosmadopolous talks with Monica Valentine, an artist from the renowned studio Creative Growth (Oakland). Further commissioned writing includes artist profiles by Art Guide Australia Editor Tiarney Miekus on Eden Kötting (Project Art Works, Hastings) and Francesca Gavin on Andrew Omoding (ActionSpace, London).
In addition to its new commissions, Art et al. provides resources and recommended reading relating to inclusivity and neurodiversity in the visual arts. It also includes a comprehensive list of UK and Australian supported studios and #MondayMuse, a curated open-call opportunity for neurodivergent, intellectually, and learning disabled artists. Externally, Art et al. offers advisory services and facilitates organisational partnerships for inclusive practices in the contemporary arts sector. Art et al. will present in-person exhibitions in Melbourne and London with details announced later in 2021.
The Art et al. site has launched with a raft of accessibility measures in place including the YouAccess widget; downloadable Easy Reads; BSL interpretations; audio translations, video captioning, and FAQs to assist in explaining any language that may be difficult to understand.
Designed for everyone from curators and institutional leaders to aspiring and established artists, Art et al. is a collaborative stage to explore and learn about international artists working from supported studios, expanding their participation and representation in the contemporary art world.
