Accessing other minds: Art in and out of the supported studio
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Accessing other minds: Art in and out of the supported studio
IRAS ID
253847
Contact name
Chloe Watfern
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of New South Wales
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 0 months, 15 days
Research summary
Intellectual disability (ID) remains poorly understood in contemporary society, and people with ID face many barriers to inclusion. Art can operate as a powerful avenue for exploring and communicating the lived experiences of people with ID. In so doing, it has the potential to change attitudes and spread awareness amongst diverse audiences. The supported studio is a unique context where artists with ID are supported to develop ongoing art practices and exhibiting careers (Rhodes 2008). Yet little research has investigated how art might operate as a conduit for lived experience in this context, and what this might mean for both artists and audiences.
This research will make an important contribution to a small academic literature concerning art and ID, by examining the nuanced contexts that influence the creation and reception of the work of artists with ID within and beyond the supported studio. Through extended ethnographic engagement with two leading supported studios, one in Australia and one in the United Kingdom, this research aims to investigate how the relationship between art and the lived experiences of artists with ID can be understood. At the same time, it will consider how art is used to engage with audiences about issues that are important to people with ID.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
18/IEC08/0034
Date of REC Opinion
12 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion