Meet the Hulme Art Group celebrating the transformative power of art

Founded over 30 years ago as a small adult education class for learning-disabled individuals, Venture Arts has evolved into a dynamic visual arts studio.

Today, it is breaking barriers and challenging preconceptions about disability in the art world.

In an exclusive interview with Marketing Manager Debbie Cowle and Katherine Long, Artistic Manager, we explore the journey of Venture Arts and its profound impact on the lives of learning-disabled artists.

A Journey of Ambition and Evolution

Venture Arts began as a modest adult education class, engaging around 10 individuals, including some artists who continue to contribute to the studio today.

Over the past two decades, the organisation’s ambition, the dedicated staff team, and the artists themselves have steered Venture Arts in a different direction.

It has transformed into a vibrant visual arts studio where artists, irrespective of their disability, receive recognition within the arts community.

Debbie Cowley explains, “We support our artists to follow their creative path and vision, enabling them to build their careers by establishing relationships with arts organisations nationally and internationally.

“Our artists work on unique projects, ranging from projection mapping, animation, and illustration to textiles, ceramics, painting, photography, and more.”

Vision and Mission: Striving for Equity in the Arts

Venture Arts is on a mission to be leaders in the arts, striving for equity and supporting artists to excel.

The vision is clear: for learning-disabled people to be recognised, celebrated, and valued in the arts and society.

The organisation acts as a bridge, connecting its artists with diverse arts organisations, actively involving learning-disabled individuals as artists, critics, visitors, volunteers, and, ultimately, paid staff.

The Whitworth Collaboration: Showcasing Diversity in Limited Edition Prints

Emma Horton, ‘Adele’, print, 2018. Currently available to buy from The Whitworth shop.

Following the success of their first collection of Whitworth Edition prints, Venture Arts has launched a new collection featuring both new and returning artists.

These include Josh Brown, Horace Lindezey, Helena Bradley, Emma Horton, Amy Ellison, Violet Emsley, Ahmed Mohammed and Michael Beard.

With a limited edition of 50 for each print, these distinctive pieces are gaining popularity.

Debbie encourages art enthusiasts to explore and acquire a piece of Venture Arts for their homes.

You can get a print by clicking here

Art as a Catalyst for Social Change

Venture Arts is deeply embedded in its local community in Hulme, actively engaging with local schools through the Artist Mentors program.

This initiative sees studio artists passing on their skills to school and college students, not only fostering artistic abilities but also providing meaningful employment opportunities.

Debbie passionately states, “Art can communicate when words are not enough. For our non-verbal artists, it offers a language for connection and expression.

“Their successes build confidence and self-esteem, offering a sense of respect and belonging.”

Triumphs and Challenges: Redefining Perceptions in the Art World

Reflecting on the challenges faced in advocating for inclusivity in the arts, Debbie acknowledges the progress made in the last decade while recognising there is still a long way to go.

One of Venture Arts’ high-profile artists, Leslie Thompson, has been commissioned by the Government Art Collection, showcasing the changing landscape of recognition for disabled artists.

Katherine Long, Artistic Manager at Venture Arts said: “In the last year Leslie has been commissioned by the Government Art Collection to commemorate the King’s Coronation, alongside 8 other artists including Cornelia Parker and Hew Locke.

“This was great recognition of him as an artist, something that would not have happened ten years ago.

“Leslie also was recently selected as one of a handful of artists representing Manchester to show his work at the Manchester Modern exhibition alongside Chanel’s Metiers d’Art showcase, again a huge achievement for any artist.

Leslie’s work commemorating the King’s Coronation stands as a symbol of the evolving acceptance of artists based on their talent rather than their disability.

Shaping the Future: Long-Term Goals for Inclusivity

Looking ahead, Venture Arts aspires to support all its artists in diverse creative opportunities, including gaining employment in the creative sector.

The Cultural Enrichment program equips artists with the tools for working in museums and galleries, and collaborations with organisations aim to enhance visibility and access for learning-disabled individuals in cultural spaces.

Empowering Aspiring Artists: Go for It!

For aspiring learning-disabled artists inspired by Venture Arts, Debbie’s advice is simple yet profound: “Go for it! Get in touch with us or organisations like Outside In if you need support.

“Pursue your own creative path, and we can teach you techniques and offer opportunities to build relationships with venues.”

Venture Arts stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that artistic expression knows no boundaries.

As the organisation continues to break barriers and challenge societal perceptions, it leaves an indelible mark on the art world, showcasing the incredible talent that exists within the learning-disabled community.

In the words of Debbie Cowley, “Creating art for art’s sake is hugely worthwhile, and the impact on people’s wellbeing is seen here every day.

“The majority of our artists are very driven and want to sell their work and get it out there in the world!”