Access BEAF: Supporting Neurodivergent and Disabled Artists 2025

What is the focus of the programme? 

The programme will offer time and space for neurodivergent and disabled artists to come together, reflect on current practices and your work, and foster peer-learning. 

The Access BEAF programme is split into four parts:

Part 1: Intro 4-5 July at our base in Boscombe, TOSH and Boscombe Arts Depot (BAD)

Part 2: Residency 25-26 Sept at SPUD, New Forest 

Part 3: Gathering and professional development support 17 Oct at TOSH

Part 4: Mentoring over the next 6 months 

Part 1: Intro 4-5 July at TOSH and BAD, 11am – 4pm 

An introduction day to the programme and invitation to share your work with the group if you wish to do so. There will be time and space to chat and reflect, hear from Sonia Boué, the Associate Artist supporting the programme and meet the other artists. 

We will also visit the exhibition at B.A.D ‘You’re Not Alone:Women in Art 2025.’ 

Part 2: Residency 25-26 Sept at SPUD, New Forest, 11am – 4pm 

The residency is a dedicated space to focus on some of the challenges of working as a neurodivergent and/or disabled artist and receive practical support from other artists and your peers and join in creative workshops.

Part 3: Reflection 17 Oct at TOSH, 11am – 4pm 

Reflection day to reconnect after the residency, receive access and business support on having a sustainable creative career and a chance to discuss what kind of mentoring you would like. 

Part 4: Mentoring over the next 6 months 

Individual or group mentoring with artists and practitioners tailored to your needs. 

If selected to join the programme you will receive a more detailed breakdown of activities and access to onboarding resources in advance of the intro day in July. 

What can I expect? 

• Meet like-minded people and share ideas or different ways of working 
• Hear from industry professionals, advocates and people with lived experience of working as neurodivergent and disabled creatives
• Attend and have the opportunity to contribute to workshops
• Gain knowledge and confidence in overcoming imposter syndrome and supporting yourself as an artist 
• Receive dedicated support, access to resources and mentoring
• Transport covered to the residency and group meals and snacks provided 
• A £500 fee to attend all meet-ups

Who is it for? 

Practicing Dorset and Hampshire based neurodivergent and disabled artists who:

• Have experienced barriers in accessing and working in the art world
• Keen to learn from others and are happy to contribute to group meet-ups
• Artists who want to develop their practice and receive support to do so 
• Able to commit to all the meet-ups and the residency 

Is there any Access Support for me to attend? 

Yes, we have an access budget to be able to deliver this programme and to remove barriers that may stop artists from being able to attend each meet-up. Access support could include; support with writing, accommodation, booking transport and transport expenses and time for your support worker to be able to attend sessions with you. 

To discuss how we can support you and the tailored support you may need, please email becca.beaf@gmail.com and she will get back in touch with you. 

I am not sure if I should apply, where can I find out more information? 

We are holding an informal online support session on Friday 9 May at 11am-12pm. 

Please RSVP here. The meeting link is on the eventbrite page. If you need support in joining please email us.

We are also holding an in-person session at TOSH for anyone who would like to meet us and find out more on Monday 19 May 6-7.30pm. Please RSVP here.

We can also arrange 1-2-1 informal conversations for those who would like more information. 

How to apply:

– Send a brief statement (max 1 A4 document) or a short video (no more than 3 minutes) or a drawing outlining: 

1. Why you are applying
2. How you meet the criteria
3. Brief overview of your practice
4. How this opportunity will benefit your practice
5. Identify three key areas of support you would like from this programme
6. Relevant links to your website/ social handles
7. Up to 4 images or examples of your work

Please send this document in one Word or PDF document (including images and links) or video format to hello@gotbeaf.co.uk with ‘Access BEAF Application’ in the subject line. We will confirm receipt of your application. 

If you need support in completing your application please get in touch with us. 

Deadline to apply – 30 May 2025

We will aim to get back to you regarding the outcome of your application in the week commencing 2nd June 2025. 

If you are not selected to join Access BEAF we will respond with detailed feedback in June.