The launch of an accessible network for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists as a catalyst for greater inclusion in Surrey and the South-East.​​

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​The aim:

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To create a supportive, accessible network for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists based in Surrey and the South-East, where creative talent could thrive without the usual barriers in accessing the art world. This is part of our overall ambition to raise the status of disability arts in Surrey.

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​The organisation:

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Aware that many d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists across Surrey aren’t affiliated to or supported by any other organisations, with many of these artists facing barriers to working in the creative sector, we identified a need for a network to provide support to these individual artists as well as link them up with our member organisations.

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With funding secured from Arts Council England and Arts Partnership Surrey, in October 2023 DAiSY-Chain launched at Lightbox Gallery & Museum in Woking.  DAISY’s Artistic and Managing Director, Cara Flowers, shared her vision for an inclusive, collaborative network that breaks down barriers in the arts, and artist Jon Adams’s talk inspired everyone to think deeply about accessibility in art spaces. Over 50 people attended and the event was a great opportunity to connect with artists, share ideas, and discuss how DAiSY-Chain could support their creative ambitions. These discussions set a tone of community-led development that always guides the work DAISY does.  Everything we offer has been the result of feedback from our artists, ensuring that DAiSY-Chain evolves to meet their needs and aspirations.

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We introduced a programme of professional training, which has included a session by Alistair Gentry looking at the financial practicalities of being an artist and being on benefits, and a session focused on marketing and self-promotion.

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We also provide one-on-one support and creative development advice, helping artists within the network to grow their skills and careers.

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We organise regular social meetups, workshops, and public exhibitions that allow our members to showcase their work. Our exhibition for Surrey Artist Open Studios at The Lightbox in June was a particular highlight, where artists presented their work to a wide audience. One artist was even shortlisted for Surrey Artist of the Year in partnership with New Ashgate Gallery. These activities are helping artists gain exposure, reach new audiences, and build professional connections.

Developing partnerships to create further opportunities for our artists is a key role of the network. Through a collaboration with Scope, two artists created murals for their new charity shop in Surbiton, bringing our artists’ work into the community.  We have also started to receive enquiries for live illustrators at conferences, commissions and workshop leaders, showcasing the growing demand for our network and expanding paid opportunities for our artists.

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We’re also encouraging our cultural partners and member organisations to create paid placements for the network, giving artists direct pathways to apply their skills.

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Launching DAiSY-Chain was only the beginning and we’re excited to keep growing and evolving with our artists. Through collaboration, creativity, and community engagement, DAiSY-Chain is becoming a vital resource, supporting sustainable artistic careers and a thriving, inclusive cultural ecosystem within Surrey and the South-East. Inclusivity is the key focus of everything we do, from accessible venues to programming that reflects the diverse needs of our artists.

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The results:

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Since launching in October 2023 we now have 70 artists in the network working across diverse fields, including visual arts, dance, animation, poetry, and music.

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From our exhibition at Lightbox Gallery for Surrey Artists’ Open Studios one artist was shortlisted for Surrey Artist of the Year in partnership with New Ashgate Gallery.

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As a result of our Year One activity, in 2025 we are partnering with Outside In to deliver two 10-week professional intensive training programmes focused on curation and facilitation. These programmes aim to equip our artists with practical skills that will open doors to new areas within the arts.

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​Tips:

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• Keep in touch: Stay in regular contact and get to know the artists in the network, so you can offer the right kinds of activities, training, and opportunities.

• Offer 1:1s: Set up one-to-one chats to understand their work better and figure out how you can support them.

• Plan what they actually need: Organise events, workshops, and activities that artists genuinely want and find useful. 

• Mix it up: Vary the times, days, and locations of meet-ups to fit different schedules and needs.​​