Venture Arts, Outside In and The Whitworth collectively run the North West Hub for Artist Development, which aims to create and expand opportunities for artists across the North West who face barriers to participation in the arts world.

As well as being able to dive in and explore the incredible Musgrave Kinley ‘Outsider Art’ Collection at The Whitworth Art Gallery, this exciting opportunity has supported visual artists to:

Professionally photograph work
Create an online gallery
Develop a portfolio
Exhibit
Find artist residencies
Apply for funding
Work with museum and gallery collections
Network & collaborate with like-minded creatives!

If you are an artist who experiences significant barriers to participation in the arts world and you would like to sign up to be a North West Hub artist, you can sign up right away here.

Do let us know if you’d prefer a printed version of the sign-up form to be posted to you, or if you would like assistance in filling it out over the phone or on Zoom.

As well as launching the North West Hub, we have hosted ten bespoke residencies for learning disabled or neurodivergent artists from across the region.

For further information, get in touch with our North West Regional Artist Development Officer, Ellie at ellie@venturearts.org or by text on 07539 371 070

Accessibility
The programme is managed by Ellie, who is a disabled and self-taught artist. We are always working to make our offer as inclusive and accessible as possible. Please let us know of any additional support that might help you to attend an appointment (for example a note-taker, BSL interpreter). We offer these sessions online via a video-calling platform of your choice, as well as in-person.