Tracing, placing, plotting;

Arts & Health South West

http://www.artsandhealthsouthwest.org.uk

AHSW are very busy, and couldn't manage an interview, but Emma Williams kindly made time to answer some questions I emailed her. AHSW is an Arts & Heakth organisation that gives support and advice to Disability Arts practioners in the SW.

History of Arts & Health South West

In November 2003 a Feasibility Study commissioned by Arts Council England South West identified a clear need and demand for a Forum which would bring people together across the arts and health sector to share news, information, learning, good ideas and good practice.

Following the Feasibility Study, ACESW established a Steering Group, under the title South West Arts and Health Forum to explore the way forward.

In March 2005 a Strategic Plan was produced that was submitted as part of an application to Grants for the Arts for funding to set up the Forum. The successful application allowed for a major piece of research into the arts and health sector in the South West to be commissioned, as well as for the appointment of an interim Co-ordinator to establish the Forum.

In May 2005 an arts consultant was commissioned by Arts Council England South West and the Forum to undertake an audit and analysis of arts and health activity across the region.

The report Shared Territories was completed in September 2005 and gives a detailed breakdown of who is working in arts and health in the South West; what work is taking place, where and why; how the work is funded; people’s aspirations and needs; and the key issues which face the sector.

In October 2005 an interim Co-ordinator was appointed to put in place all the necessary structures and funding to establish Arts & Health South West.

Also in October 2005 the Steering Group agreed that the Forum should be renamed Arts & Health South West.

In January 2006 ACESW awarded Arts & Health South West a three-year grant of £78,000 for 2006–2009 towards the costs of running the organisation.

On 20th June Arts & Health South West was launched to over 100 people and provided a mixture of inspirational speakers and showcased south west work.

In May 2006 a part-time Co-ordinator was contracted on a freelance basis to carry out the day to day activities and develop the organisation.

Arts & Health South West now has over 250 members in the region.

What services, facilities or benefits can you offer disabled artists?

AHSW is not an organisation solely aimed at disabled artists. Being a member of Arts & Health South West is an opportunity for anyone involved in the sector to:

be part of a group of people who give Arts and Health a voice
improve the profile and status of the work
network with other people who share your ideas and concerns which could lead to:

Partnerships being formed
Work opportunities
Information sharing and connections with experts in particular fields
Mentoring opportunities, skill sharing / sharing Good Practice
A greater understanding of the sector as a whole, as well of its constituent parts
Being inspired

As a member you will:

receive a welcome pack including a set of cards donated by artists and AHSW members and a copy of Shared Territories
receive regular e-bulletins with the latest news, event listings and work opportunities
be part of Arts & Health South West’s on-line directory
be invited to a number of regular events throughout the region
be able to access the members’ area of the web site
be able to affect the development of Arts & Health South West at General Meetings and the AGM
be eligible to become a Trustee of Arts & Health South West

What range of disabled artists would benefit from AHSW?

Anyone artist working within the Arts and Health Sector.

Do you have a catchment area or membership criteria?

No just anyone with an interest in the subject area.

How do artists join?

Online, over the phone or can request a paper or email application form.

Does AHSW have a political standpoint / ethos regarding disability arts? ( e.g. the medical model vs social model )

I'd say looking at the membership that AHSW doesn't. There's representation from artists and organisations working with both the medical and social model. AHSW represents health in the broadest spectrum and is thus inclusive of both.

What other disability arts groups do you interact with in the SW?

We have a range of disabled artists as members and so AHSW searches disability arts ebulletins/docs to provide up to date information, news work opportunities to them via the website and AHSW ebulletin.

Return to intro http://www.aliasarts.org/editorial1/DisabledLedArts.htm