Inside ActionSpace

My work with ActionSpace developed quite organically. I started volunteering with ActionSpace in 2008 on a project in East London working with participants with profound SEND. On that project I worked with Associate Artist Charlotte Hollinshead and Artist Facilitator Patricia Finnegan photographing and documenting the creative processes. It was an enjoyable experience working with them and I learnt lots observing their working methods.

 After there I volunteered on a studio project in Croydon and then at the Leighton Project in Kentish Town where ActionSpace delivered art sessions to the 17-25 year olds on their educational programme. I very much enjoyed working with this age group and supporting their education and was delighted to be the artist facilitator there from 2011-2016, supporting students through their Bronze Arts Awards, working on partnership projects with the Transport Museum and arranging a number of external shows for the students art works. 

From 2017-20 I worked with students at the JFK School in Newham on a studio and school project supporting students in their Arts Awards. In 2017 I became the artist facilitator for the ActionSpace Monday studio group at Cockpit Arts.

I feel very proud to work with ActionSpace. I have huge respect for the organisation and what they have achieved for their artists over the years. It's a small team but their impact is significant in raising awareness and being a voice for people that are often ignored by society. It is a forward-thinking, dynamic organisation that puts the artists and their art at the core. I am constantly learning from the artists I work with and really enjoy supporting them on their creative journey.

It was very exciting to be able to open again after the first Lockdown. The staff at ActionSpace worked very hard to make the studio safe by reorganising the space and the day so artists could continue to work in the studio safely. Very few community and public indoor spaces have been able to open during the pandemic and for some of the artists these spaces are invaluable for them.

All of the artists that returned to the studio made the most of having some studio space and the level of artistic output has been high. Abu Hasnat, for example, has really enjoyed being able to work physically in the space and with the materials he chooses making large paintings, textile pieces and collages. Abu’s work is often very tactile. He has also cut and tied lengths of wool into one of his paintings on canvas, which disrupts the surface and invites the viewer to touch the work. Abu has also worked on a series of large drawings in the studio. These are also full of energy with dense areas of lines and colours surrounding circles of space and moments of rest.

Patrick Moses has made a lot of work that reflects and comments on current personal, social and political circumstances. While Thomas Owen and Philippa Marshall have enjoyed the social element of being back in the studio and safely seeing their friends again after months of isolation. This has inspired their art further with both artists producing colourful and vibrant drawings. In 2020 we also welcomed Abdul Jalil and Shaquille Oyeyinka into the Cockpit Studios who have joined the sessions from ActionSpace’s East London Studio.

Outside of ActionSpace I am also an Associate Artist and Facilitator with Spare Tyre. I have recently been involved with their ‘Thru the Letterbox’ project, working on sensory packs for persons living with dementia. I also have my own art practice and am in the early stages of a creative research and development project based on the themes of dementia. When I can find some quiet time I will spend it painting and drawing having exhibited work locally. I particularly enjoy painting or drawing from still life as it offers me some calm contemplation in what can often be a full week.

I initially connected with ActionSpace at the 'Rights in Focus' conference at Autograph Gallery in 2019, where ActionSpace artists Mark Lawrence and Linda Bell led participatory workshops based on their practice. I was undertaking an MA research project exploring the question: 'what does a radically inclusive filmmaking process look like?' aiming to develop less rigid, more experimental filmmaking practices in the projects that I facilitate.

After having spoken briefly to Charlotte Hollinshead about the ActionSpace South London studio at Studio Voltaire, she invited me to see first-hand how Mark Lawrence incorporates interactive projection into his installations. Both Linda and Mark's workshops were dynamic and progressive with so many interesting entry points; I was struck by the exceptional quality of the artwork and the processes that underpinned it.

The opportunity to support the ActionSpace South London as a Studio Support Assistant came up as Studio Voltaire was undergoing refurbishment which lead to the group relocating to a temporary studio in Brixton.

At the studio, I support Charlotte Hollinshead with a combination of practical day-to-day tasks as well as documenting and working with artists to experiment with the interactive potential of their current pieces. More recently, as we slowly move out of lockdown, we've been working with one artist per day at the studio. I've been focussing more on documentation and digital work, and Charlotte and I have been exploring how we could use film to support virtual and physical spaces to compliment each other in the future.

I'm continually learning from the established practices of every artist in the studio, as well as Charlotte's expertise and ambition as a facilitator. It was fantastic to support Nnena Kalu as she was working towards exhibitions Nnena Kalu: Wrapping at Humber Street Gallery and the exhibition for Studio Voltaire elsewhere. Recently it's been exciting to work with Linda Bell to explore how her intricately woven textile pieces can respond to layers of movement, projection and light and of course, it's always a highlight to experience Pardip Kapil's alternative DJing style!

Outside of ActionSpace, I'm a freelance artist-facilitator working with various organisations and galleries across the UK. Earlier this year, I lead a project exploring experimental film and animation with older adults at an independent living scheme in Lewisham. I'm always looking for opportunities to connect and expand my knowledge and practice. Since the UK has been in lockdown, I've been exploring the creation of remote film work with a collective of artists with-and-without learning disabilities in Brighton as well as sending packages of art materials and creative invitations to groups I've worked with previously.

I came across the brilliant work of ActionSpace when I first moved to London in 2016. Art has always been a big part of my life and the inclusivity that ActionSpace champion is incredibly important. I was so impressed with the artist’s work and innovative projects, the name always stuck with me. Once I found myself settled in London I wanted to broaden my skills, I reached out to find out if ActionSpace had any weekend volunteering opportunities. At the time they did not, but only 5 days later the previous Saturday volunteer announced they were moving away, freeing up a space for me. I hope it is not too grandiose to say it felt like fate! I started volunteering at the Saturday South London studio in 2018 and a year later I became the Studio Support Assistant for the group.

Facilitating the artists’ work is a privilege (I was particularly honoured to make my debut appearance in a piece of artwork last year by Wayne McGregor. Some of my favourite projects include (but are not limited to) sewing Punch and Judy puppets under Kieron Hanlon’s creative direction, Michael Sporik’s 3D soldier paintings and Alex Ramey’s artistic take on my family tree.

In addition to learning so much more about various art practises, I feel incredibly lucky to have gained so many new friends in the form of the artists, Patricia Finnegan (our lead facilitator) and my fellow volunteers (Anna O’Driscoll and Marguerite Potter).

I have learnt so much from ActionSpace. The artists’ endless creativity is so inspiring and has definitely shaped how I think and express myself.

Outside of ActionSpace I work in the Community & Access Team at Kew Gardens, organising accessible learning activities. At the moment I am spending my spare time painting, learning Spanish and reading. I am greatly missing the Saturday studio sessions which are closed due to the Coronavirus restrictions, but in the meantime it is always a highlight of my week to see the friendly faces on our weekly group video catch ups!

My name is Rebekah and I have worked as an Artist Facilitator for ActionSpace for the past 10 years. I run both the Tuesday and Thursday groups at ActionSpace's Cockpit Arts Studio.  

I came to become an artist facilitator through volunteering with the Tuesday group at the ActionSpace Studio Voltaire studio. I had no previous experience of working with artists with learning disabilities before and found the experience to be fun, enlightening and refreshing.

In both the groups I now lead I have gotten to know each artist very well and been able to watch them grow individually in their creative journeys. It is a wonderful experience to see how the artists have developed over such a long period of time. Working weekly in the studio really allows the artists to explore and expand their ideas and skills. All the artists I support have their own unique interests and visions and I try and assist them into bringing these visions into fruition. I feel that my job is to be a conduit for the participants creativity.

Much conversation, humour, singing and dancing is to be had during the sessions - always a benefit to the creative process!  All of which I am looking forward to getting back to once our studios are open again.

I started volunteering at ActionSpace supporting the Cockpit Wednesday group, and then the Newham Tuesday group. When Michelle Kurth, the Newham facilitator emigrated to Australia I was asked to take over and I’ve been there ever since.

A typical day at the ActionSpace Newham studio starts with a quick roundup of what the artists are currently working on, setting out materials and deciding on potential new directions. The artists arrive at intervals and we have a catchup, a cuppa and then get down to work. I work with the volunteer to help each artist to find materials and techniques that are appropriate to individual practice, and assist where necessary – this could mean doing some online research, looking at resource materials such as books and websites, or just working collaboratively. We have lots of chat, and music, and sometimes dancing! It’s important to pace the sessions with breaks and social time for those that need it.

Facilitating gives me an insight into the importance of creativity to people with learning disabilities and mental health issues. It also enables a space for artists to establish autonomy, which for many is a rare thing. It’s a real privilege to share people’s thoughts and ideas, and help them to put these out in the world. I get a lot of inspiration from the sessions – the creative dialogue is important and expands my own practice in many ways. I have learned creative techniques I never thought I’d use – for example textiles and graphics. Every studio session confirms to me that there is fundamentally no difference between us as artists, disabled or not. We all want to make art.

One of the most memorable moments of being an Artist Facilitator at ActionSpace has to be the exhibition the Newham group and I did at Winns Gallery in 2019, made in tandem with the Madge Gill exhibition at the William Morris Gallery. It was a real highlight. Everyone involved with the Newham studio made a significant and relevant contribution, the space was huge, and we had enormous fun filling it with an eclectic range of artworks. It really raised the game for the artists in the Newham studio group, presenting their work in a professional space, and allowed me to curate work by both disabled and non-disabled artists on the same level. The show was well attended, and the audience response was so positive.

Another highlight has to be the outreach project that I facilitated with at the Markhouse Centre in Walthamstow – working with a small group of people who are rarely asked to make original art and nurturing their innate creativity was really satisfying. Making the accompanying short film was another new venture for me, and I’m very proud of it.

I love all the work by the Newham artists but a particular work that stands out for me is Helen Biney’s House installation from the exhibition ‘House of Flying Angel’ at Winns Gallery. 

Image: Installation by Helen Biney for the exhibition ‘House of Flying Angel’ at Winns Gallery

Outside of ActionSpace I work as a facilitator/tutor, with marginalised community groups, and run Art for Wellbeing sessions for various charities. I have a tiny studio in my caravan in rural East Sussex where I paint and draw, mostly figurative work reflecting my interests at any given time!

I have been volunteering since November 2019 with the Cockpit Arts Friday group. ActionSpace had been on my radar and after graduating I felt volunteering would be an opportunity for me to learn new skills and develop my interests.

All the amazing artists in the Friday studio group and the artist facilitator Lisa Brown welcomed me from the get go and Friday has become the most laughter filled day of my week. I spend it discussing the artist’s artworks: their ideas, materials, colours and textures as well as supporting artists with assembling, developing their work and chatting with the artists about their week. We make tea and coffee for each other, look after one another.

The chance to watch the artists at work and to see their art evolve over time has been significant. Each artist materialises their individual interests and concerns through the art that they make in the studio and I feel lucky to be able to see it happening. In between the laughter there is a calm and focused mood in the studio when you can feel the creative energy buzzing around you. I have had the opportunity to attend the Royal Academy workshops with the ActionSpace Cockpit Arts Friday group where the artists created work in response to Anthony Gormley and Pablo Picasso exhibitions. I have also assisted the artist Thompson Hall with his Purple Light Up public workshop at The British Museum.

Growing up with my brother who is autistic attuned me in some ways to his own way of making. When my brother shared his thoughts and creations with me they always struck me as expansive, imaginative and completely his own. ActionSpace champions this self-expression and artistic autonomy so I was drawn to the organisation and what it celebrates in its artists.

I studied Anthropology and Visual Practice at university, and before that an Art and Film foundation year. Drawing and painting are things I like to do to relax. I am currently an advice worker for a homelessness organisation and continue to enjoy the creativity and fun that ActionSpace brings to my week.

ActionSpace artist Evan Bond has been working as a workshop leader on Camden Arts Centre’s SEN Schools Programme – a renowned programme working with young people and teachers from local SEN schools in collaboration with artists. Evan in collaboration with artists Natalie Zervou-Kerruish and Lydia CS have planned and created a series of workshops that respond to the exhibitions at Camden Arts Centre. 

Responding to the current exhibition ‘Vivian Suter: Tintin’s Sofa’ the artists ran a workshop for a group of twelve children from the SEN school Oak Lodge School.

Evan Bond details his experience:

 “I liked working with the children and I like the landscapes created”.

I began volunteering for ActionSpace after seeing a post about the project on social media. Having wanted to get newly involved in volunteer work, ActionSpace appeared to me as somewhere I could exercise my creative interests through the support of other artists. 

The kind of experimental and freeing environment is palpable in the Tuesday group. I have found that the artist’s intuitive method of working is inspiring and has made me consider how I take on my own projects. Something I really enjoy is the power of play in creating art. I am always excited by the ways in which the artists involve themselves in their work beyond a canonical use of materials; whether it is by considered displays that showcase the artwork created or by the physical involvement with the materials of a project. 

Since volunteering with ActionSpace I have spent time working with Chandrakant Patel and have hugely enjoyed supporting and following his creative process. I am particularly interested in how lines and colours interact in his work, paired with the patience and time that he invents in a piece to take form is extremely exciting - and the final outcome has never failed to stun me! I’ve also enjoyed assisting Nnena Kalu with the arrangement of her impressive sculptures. Watching something so large and deeply layered come to fruition has been a pleasure.

Outside of ActionSpace, I am an MA student in Sociology. I also write about social issues and work in various creative positions, (styling, video editing, set design, prop sourcing and more) with groups of artists.  

I started volunteering for ActionSpace in September 2019 as part of my placement for my MA in Anthropology and Community Arts at Goldsmiths University.  

Though my placement finished in November, I fell in love with spending my Saturday mornings with ActionSpace and plan to stay on until my next placement began in February 2020.

While I have a background in working with children with additional needs, I had never worked with adults with learning disabilities and I have picked up so many amazing communication skills that can be transferred into future placements... and life!

The artists at ActionSpace were so welcoming and made me feel right at home straight away. It has been a pleasure getting to know them and their practice, as well catching up on Eastenders over a cup of tea.

Working with and learning from skilled and generous facilitators has enabled me to build confidence in collaborative work. Working closely on projects with artists has been rewarding and taught me new things each session. Watching ActionSpace artists take risks and be adventurous in their creativity has reminded me to be as brave in my own practice.

I have been lucky to work regularly with two groups at ActionSpace. I have loved seeing the Brent group’s work develop as they plan for Brent 2020. I enjoyed finding new ways to work with Bonsu Bicobbey and James Edwards, getting into a rhythm and watching their individual pieces of work build and layer over the weeks was so interesting – you never know quite what’s coming next.

Working with Kieron Hanlon from the South London group to realise his ever evolving vision for a Punch and Judy stage has also been a favourite moment. He manages to translate his ideas into his own aesthetic and his focus and determination is completely inspiring.  

I’d recommend volunteering at ActionSpace to anyone who loves creativity, fun and socialising!

Outside of ActionSpace I study for an MA in Anthropology and Community Arts, while working as a Youth Worker and Support Worker for young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions.

Thompson Hall details his experience of taking part in Outside In’s Talking About Art Course. Tutor: Tanya Harris.

“It was a huge honour to be selected to take part in the course. I feel I learned a lot about how to present my work to an audience and techniques for how to deal with difficult questions and get feedback on my work.

The first session was on Monday, 28 October. We started by watching videos of various artists talking about their work. Then we each selected one image of our work and we talked about it for 5 minutes. We gave each other feedback on these presentations. To end the session we each choose a postcard and described how it made us feel.

The second session was on Monday, 4 November. We looked at images of our own work and thought about how we could talk about it. For example, what type of language to use during the talk. Tanya told us to remind ourselves to think about the questions the audience might ask, how to engage with the audience, how to present the work and how to put the important messages across. We also thought about why it is important to talk about your work.

The final session was on Wednesday 6 November. In the morning we reviewed everything we had learned. Then in the afternoon we each gave 10 minute presentations, using images of our work.

I did feel that I gave a good account of myself on Wednesday, in the way I explained various aspects of my work and I did welcome some questions from the audience about and afterwards we sat in a circle and gave feedback on how well we did at presenting.

I started volunteering with ActionSpace in April this year and oh what fun I have had. Since then I have assisted with TUBE LINES at Tate Exchange, ‘Clever The Way It’s Moving’ at the Barbican and ‘Vital Mix’ at Wandsworth Arts Fringe. I have also become a regular at the Thursday studio at Cockpit Arts and it didn’t take long for me to feel like an established member of the group. Thursday mornings are currently my favourite part of the week and are never boring. Rebekah Cameron the Artist Facilitator effortlessly creates an environment where our artists can express themselves in whichever way they see fit. A process which I have learned from and immersed myself in fully. We like to take the odd break from painting, drawing and creating to have moments of dancing and jovial chats, which I think allow our artists to see ActionSpace as a home away from home. We talk about our inspirations and spend lots of time looking through our Library and picking soundtracks for the day.

I graduated in the summer of this year with a BA in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins and Thursday’s at ActionSpace have allowed me to stay sane whilst finishing my degree. We have many wonderful artists in our sessions; creating personal and unique work but what I love most about the group is their support for one another. The morning can often be lively and slightly hectic, with a lot of practices happening in the studio, but there is palpable energy that keeps every artist engaged and inspired. Not only do the artists enjoy taking each other’s work in they have also created some strong friendships and encouraging dynamics- which any creative knows is an important part to a successful practice.

I started volunteering at ActionSpace in Autumn 2018 after attending Thompson Hall and Ian Wornast's exhibition 'My Life In London' as part of Unlimited Festival at Southbank Centre. I hugely enjoyed the show and had a nice chat with Thompson, Ian and ActionSpace staff after looking at the artwork, during which I inquired about volunteering. My taste in art veers toward colourful, abstract and not purely representational work so I was blown away by Ian's intricate, abstract and colourful maps of London and Thompson's bold technicolor pieces.

Not long after that I began to volunteer with the Thursday group, which I did for the majority of a year. I loved my time in this group and all the artists' unique and impressive creative processes - from Mohammed Muzmayeem Roaf’s extremely physical paintings and sculptures to Mark Walter's pop cultural ink work. There was so much to take in each week. Since then I've moved over to the Tuesday group, also assisting on the occasional Wednesday, so I've had a great overview of the creativity and variety of the work produced at ActionSpace's Cockpit Arts Studios across the week. To continue to name artists individually would take forever as I have found something to enjoy about every artists work or process - the sheer variety and ingenuity of the artists' is striking and I've had my eyes opened to so many different materials & techniques.

I find volunteering at ActionSpace positive in so many different ways - being exposed to so much amazing new art has inspired me to produce work of my own, something I hadn't done much of, beyond collage and posters, since my teens. Being part of the ActionSpace community is great as I've made new friendships and have a lovely time with the artists  - this is a highlight of each week for me. I'm extremely grateful to be able to support the artists in their practice and in return I feel I've gained inspiration, friendships, exposure to new styles & techniques and more. I feel like part of an extremely welcoming and creative community.

This year I've particularly enjoyed being part of 'Clever The Way It's Moving' at the Barbican, an immersive interactive installation by ActionSpace artist Mark Lawrence, which was part of a community view of Lee Krasner's 'Living Colour' exhibition. Watching such a diverse group of attendees interact with Mark's work was so great - it was an excellent evening. This inspired a return visit to the Lee Krasner exhibition, in our leisure time, with Rebekah Cameron, who leads our Tuesday sessions, and ActionSpace artist Matthew Berry. We all loved the exhibition and saw much of Krasner's work reflected in Matthew’s own work - I believe they are kindred spirits in their bold use of colour and manipulation of shape and form through abstract line work. Aside from the regular studio sessions, I've also enjoyed a trip with ActionSpace artists to the Royal Academy to attend to Egon Schiele exhibition and workshop as well as the Cockpit Arts Open Studio exhibitions - this is a huge bonus of volunteering with ActionSpace, meeting more of the artists, families, friends and admirers of their work in the process.

Outside of ActionSpace I work at Community Focus as volunteer coordinator and workshop facilitator and assistant - this has ranged from mixed media, painting and collage to drama and writing. I feel that my time at ActionSpace has inspired my approach to creative work, teaching me new skills and techniques that I'm able to offer to others. I am also studying at Bath Spa University, doing a PhD in Disability and Cultural Studies, looking at the creative practice of learning disabled artists' using Inclusive Research methodologies.

I first heard about the amazing work of ActionSpace through my friend Pia Bramley. Looking through the volunteer blog, I was wowed by everyone’s experiences, so I applied to be a volunteer in May 2018. My previous experience in the disability sector was working in an after school club for children with complex needs. These playful sessions were really enjoyable, however when the art materials came out, I felt frustrated by the lack of independence offered and wondered if there was another, more engaging path. The more I saw and read about ActionSpace and their innovative approach, the more I realised this was the opportunity I was looking for. I also hoped I might make some friends along the way!

Volunteering in the Wednesday Group at Cockpit Arts, I always feel extremely useful. Whether it's darting around making sure everyone has the materials that they need, acting as a sounding board for ideas, or putting the kettle on and singing along to the radio - finally a good use for all my Beatles lyric knowledge! The studio is buzzing with activity, and I enjoy moving about to see what everyone is up to; between Sharon's colourful interlocking shapes, Tom's detailed knitted jumper drawings, Aled's delicate birds and Julien's brilliant box cars. I have been intrigued to find that many of the artists attending the Wednesday session are developing stories through their artwork, such as Bert's quietly forming fantasy world, Miriam's deeply thoughtful and beautiful drawings and Ophir's uplifting and powerful messages. I get so much from being in this vibrant and productive environment, surrounded by artists so dedicated to their work. The atmosphere feels like the right amount of serious, of course we have lots of fun too!

Over time, as I got to know everyone and their art practice a little better, I offered some of my technical skills into the studio, such as video editing and sound recording. One of my highlights of the year has been working closely with artists Evan and Magus on their stop motion animations "Ben 14" and "No Way Out!". It was exciting to see their individual stories and directing styles develop over the weeks. Evan's sharp social commentary and unique voice tells a tale of an autistic man stuck in a desk job, and Magus narrates a bold and colourful adventure about a train voyaging through the magical depths of space. I felt immensely satisfied with the outcome of the animations, knowing I had helped them achieve something really great!

All the staff and artists have made me feel very welcome. I have learnt so much from artist mentor Lisa Brown who facilitates the Wednesday Group and feel a lot of support from everyone who works in the office and all the other studio staff and volunteers.

Being at ActionSpace has opened up new and exciting opportunities along the way. Last year I became the Assistant Facilitator on ActionSpace’s Greenwood Centre project, working with people with complex disabilities. These sessions have a focus on sensory experience, such as movement and sound, alongside visual art. I was also offered the fantastic opportunity to assist Andrew Omoding during his artist residency at the Camden Arts Centre. Feeling encouraged and inspired to explore and build upon my own learning independently, I have recently signed up for some short courses to learn about community music practice and non-verbal communication.

I first started volunteering at ActionSpace last year. I had just finished the ‘Drawing Year’ at the Royal Drawing School and had some newly found free time on my hands. A few years ago I volunteered with the charity Project Ability in Glasgow, supporting artists with learning disabilities to make incredible art. I loved it! My friend Pia who works on the Greenwood Centre Project at ActionSpace told me they were looking for a volunteer and I quickly filled in the application form.

The Greenwood Centre Project at ActionSpace is a specialist outreach project that ActionSpace runs with a group of artists with profound and multiple learning disabilities. I am really interested in using art to help people communicate in a world over reliant on verbal communication. Volunteering on this project gave me experience of communicating with people who are non-verbal, and supporting them to use art making as a way of interacting, building relationships and communicating inner thoughts and feelings. Each session was a whirlwind adventure, exploring different materials, sensory objects and play.

Since February I have been volunteering with the Monday group at the Cockpit Arts studio. Working with this group feels like such a treat. I have enjoyed so much getting to know the five artists in the group. Each artist has a truly individual style and way of working. It has been wonderful to support Patrick Moses who has spent the year creating a very ambitious piece for his current exhibition Autocity at The Smallest Gallery in Soho. Go and see it! Patrick created a very special hanging fabric piece, painted with bright colours and covered in text. Rommel Roaf makes art like a chef, and uses materials like ingredients. He has created a wonderful chocolate cake, made from layers and layers of cellophane, covered in edible looking drips of coloured PVA, I have enjoyed watching it grow and grow, it is almost taller than Rommel! Philippa Marshall makes fearless and amazing drawings and paintings, her marks are decisive and she fills blank canvases with colour and texture! Tom Owen makes beautiful drawings, they are graphic and complex and I love the way he draws horses and knitted jumpers. And last but not least Abu Hasnat makes some of the most expressive paintings I’ve ever seen, they are full of movement and energy. I love the way Abu experiments with the surface of the canvas, cutting, tying and threading. I have learnt so much from each artist and when I’m in my studio making my own artwork, I feel less anxious and self-conscious, and more spontaneous and curious!

I’ve been looking for a new direction having arrived at a cross roads in my life with my 55th year fast approaching. My sister in law Lisa Brown, who’s worked at ActionSpace for a number of years put me in contact with the charity as she felt I would benefit from the experience, having rediscovered my passion for making art again after having trained as a sculptor in the mid 1980’s. I was introduced to Charlotte Hollinshead and the Tuesday group at Studio Voltaire in February 2019 and have enjoyed supporting and working with the artists Claudia Williams, Nnena Kalu, Lasmin Salmon, Robin Smith, Roland Young and Chandrakant Patel since. I am continually being inspired by their creativity, striking up a good relationship with them and the wider team of volunteers.

On my first day at Studio Voltaire I was made to feel welcome. Having the privilege of working with Nnena Kalu, photographing her incredible paintings and even finding time to have a boogie with her! Being hands on and helping support this incredible group of artists has given me immense pleasure and a feel-good feeling. I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie and the productive atmosphere in the studio. Having fun most afternoons creating innovative ways for the artists to display and record their art work.

I volunteered for my first show VITAL MIX: Assembled Lines at the RCA studio in Nine Elms, which was great to be involved with. The overall experience has felt fulfilling, teaching me to be more empathetic and caring towards others. For a couple of sessions in June I was lucky to have assisted the Friday Group at Studio Voltaire, meeting Mark Lawrence, Pardip Kapil and the wonderful Linda Bell who all would be taking part in TUBE LINES at Tate Exchange, with Nnena Kalu. These sessions were punctuated by the contribution from sound artist Richard Phoenix whose music and audio recordings connected the artist’s work to movement and sound. Naturally the group did a lot of dancing in these session with Richard Pheonix and I’m sure we all slept well after these energetic gatherings! It was also at one of these Friday sessions that I was fortunate to help design the poster for the TUBE LINES show.

India my daughter joined me as a volunteer for three days at the exhibition. From our arrival we where thrown into helping set up the show with the other volunteers and ActionSpace team. I was initially surprised by the volume of staff and volunteers but relieved for all the extra help. Everyone mucked in and soon the space was transformed! Sound artist Richard Pheonix with the help of retired engineer Ivor, worked their magic creating an undulating, pulsating network of interconnecting tubes, making a dynamic backdrop for the artists to showcase their art work. With the groundwork for the show complete we left for the evening exhausted but excited with what was to come when the pubic descended on the show in the following days.

Over the next two days we wrapped, projected, cut and danced, becoming ambassadors helping visitors to become ‘Creative Neighbours’ and collaborators in the series of interactive art installations. Visitors where invited to share in Mark Lawrence’s light show creating their own art and experiencing the joy of ‘light projections’. Groups of visitors learnt how to twist lengths of polypropylene, making their own multi coloured tubes inspired by Linda Bell’s art or immersed themselves in Nnena Kalu’s bolder making process. As the event evolved and the picture wall grew, we made our own TUBE LINES out of sheets of Corex and foam tubes with the help of volunteers and special needs visitors. Then the irrepressible showman Pardip Kapil with the energetic Michael both adorned in their eccentric handmade costumes gave us some impulsive moments of impromptu performance. Calling his subjects to dance, Pop up Pardip prince of the disco played to his adoring public, who wildly danced with placards and foil bunting to his tunes. Hoots of joy sang out and a great time was had by all!!! I lost count of all the happy faces and just soaked in the atmosphere.

Charlotte Hollinshead and ActionSpace can be incredibly proud of TUBE LINES, as was I for volunteering.

Outside of ActionSpace I spend my time as an Art director and designer working across the fashion, lifestyle and sports industries. Though recently, I’ve started my own art practice again after many years. Being inspired after helping my other daughter, Daisy with her final years art assignment at Art School, on the theme of smell and how it evokes memories. A topic that resonated with me, having experienced it first hand when my mother was diagnosed with dementia; losing her memory and cognitive skills. My time at ActionSpace has helped me to reconnect to the art world and more importantly enabled me to meet a group of talented, inspiring artists, refuelling my enthusiasm for making art again.

I started at ActionSpace after seeing a lot of the Artists work in the recent 'Art is Part of the Equation' show at the Royal Academy. Their work really jumped out at me so I applied for the volunteer role asap.

I find Volunteering inspiring, seeing the Artists just get in the studio and get on with it without a lot of questioning or chin scratching is really refreshing. It's also a really good chance to not think about your own work and focus on others.

I started volunteering at ActionSpace a couple of years ago, as I was really interested in disability arts and I had mainly collaborated with and facilitated live art with disabled performers. As a performance artist myself, it’s been great to work with visual artists and help make more permanent pieces. It really has become the highlight of my week; it’s been super interesting to see how such a wide range of different artists work, and the conversations and talks we have during the sessions can be legendary! It has definitely made a difference in the way I view my own art-making and the visual elements of my practice.

  I have mainly worked with the Tuesday group at Cockpit, but recently I have been working with the Newham group, and it’s been fascinating to see the differences of each one. The Newham group has fewer artists, but involves a lot more one on one intensive assisting work. It has been very hands on getting ready for the exhibition in June!