This is an updated version of an article originally entitled Outsider Artists need Support and Space to Create, published 15 January 2021.

Some people consider artists to be a privileged lot, yet the reality is quite different. For all artists in Belfast there has long existed an issue with lack of studio space. One group that has been left out of this debate entirely is so-called outsider artists who require targeted help in their activities, perhaps because of a learning difficulty or other impairment/gift.

Since mid-January, the voluntary-led Paragon Studios (commonly known as PS² Belfast) has hosted a #RightToCreate virtual exhibition to showcase the work of artists who have had to rely on various short-term projects at changing locations. Curated by Ngaire Jackson, myself and others our aim is to highlight the need for assisted studio provision in the city.  This isn’t just about supporting artists, it’s about wanting equality of opportunity. It’s about unlocking our cultural offering and each individual’s right and ability to create.

No one seemed to be addressing this issue, yet many successful services exist across the UK and elsewhere. KCAT Arts Centre in County Kilkenny, Kiss my Artist or KMAdotcom in Midlothian, Scotland, and ActionSpace in London are just three examples.

Perhaps especially due to current lockdown restrictions many people are coming to understand how it feels to be trapped in their own home with limited room for manoeuvre. So what have we learned so far from the exhibition?

An image from an online communal-shared drawing session

Without support, local talent will go to waste

Within the arts community there can be a push against outsider art. With gallery space at a premium, some artists (mainly men) have often prioritised their own self interests at the expense of those of the wider community. This may be understandable, considering how hard it is to gain opportunities to showcase one’s work, yet it cannot be justified.

We heard how artist Christopher Simpson has wanted to develop his work into animation for years but there has been no mechanism to help him to do so, despite his obvious talent. Kieran Bannon shared his story of wanting to be an art teacher; simply having a local studio and exhibition space could be the way to go. We also heard from Johnny, an artist included in the exhibition, who said his heart almost burst with joy with the experience of showing at Pssquared, a gallery he’s always admired. All these people are not being reached. Without support, so much local talent will go to waste.

Recognition can be a powerful thing. Johanna Leech spoke of an outsider artist she came across in the United States; never appropriately supported during his lifetime, it was only upon his death that his work was gathered and sold to pay for his headstone. For us in Northern Ireland there is hope of opportunities to create. University of Atypical, who’ve been verbal in their support for our campaign, shared their early plans for an assisted studio in Derry.

Seanoid Murray, who works with the Black Box and Moonbase artists, wrangled up a group via Zoom to facilitate a virtual tour of their work in the exhibition. They had been working with artist Zara Lyness, and with ceramics and curator Moran Been-noon, who conjured up a multimedia series, entitled Tangible Selves. Through a laptop on a shopping trolley, my own session showcased artists’ work in an exhibition setting; a surreal experience. Many of these artists make art every waking hour they can. With the appropriate support who knows what they could achieve.

Paragon Studios (commonly known as PS² Belfast)

We’re taking outsider artists online

It’s the open, communal-shared drawing aspect of the #RightToCreate campaign that’s been particularly delightful. This is why, for the foreseeable, on Tuesday mornings from 10am – 11am Pssquared will facilitate a Zoom workshop for communal-shared drawing. So far we’ve had participants from all over the UK and as far away as Australia. All abilities are welcome as we declare our right to create. Particularly when our communities are locked down, no one should be left behind. If you would like to join us email info@Pssquared.org.