We advocate for people in the visual arts, connect artistic communities, raise visibility, campaign for diversity and build resilience

People walking through a field with their backs to the camera with a lighthouse in background

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A room with a projector screen and a table displaying various objects. The objects have small spotlights shining and microphones directed at them

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About VASW

Visual Arts South West was founded in 2012 to advocate for the region, supporting independent artists, art workers and organisations to enable the visual arts ecology to thrive. Our work spans the whole of the South West, from Cornwall to the Cotwolds and the Isle of Wight.

What we do

We support, celebrate and promote the incredible organisations, artists and art workers in the South West through our user-led website Directory, Opportunities listings and What’s on. Our monthly newsletter and social media platforms reach thousands; sharing news and opportunities, and profiling the work of our community.

The South West is the most coastal and rural region in England. Artists from the area often face economic precarity, further exacerbated by high living costs and fewer income-generating opportunities.

We work resourcefully and collaboratively to respond to the identified needs of our community and deliver programme to support and progress creative development. Our current priorities were established through our biannual Artist and Art Worker survey. They focusing on building community, resource and opportunity through:

Support for artists and art workers, particularly those facing barriers due to injustice or circumstance
Development opportunities, information and support to help creative practitioners progress their careers
Advocacy for practitioners and the South West visual arts sector
Networks and connection between artists, art workers and organisations in the region

How we work

VASW is an independent organisation constituted as a CIC, with support from a steering group. Core funding through Spike Island's Arts Council NPO covers some of our essential costs including a part-time staffing structure, basic website maintenance, membership to marketing and communications platforms, and accountancy fees. We fundraise for projects and programmes of work to deliver on our priorities.

We are connected to the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN), a national consortium of artists, arts professionals and arts organisations in England working collectively to drive policy change and realise a stronger, more resilient visual arts sector for artists, arts organisations and audiences.

Our team work from Spike Island and their homes in Bristol and Devon.

Our In-house Team

Regional Director, part time

Hannah Rose

Hannah Rose is a Plymouth based artist. She has played a key role in advocating for and supporting the development of visual arts in the city and region through her varied roles, including as one half of the artist duo LOW PROFILE and previously as Curator of MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth.

A photo of a white woman with shoulder length brown hair, wearing a navy shirt

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Associate Director, part time

Lucy Badrocke

Lucy is a curator and producer from Bristol. Working independently, she leads a commission programme that brings together artists, residents, and community partners to create new work through collaboration and exchange. Lucy was previously curator at Arnolfini, and has held positions at Picture This, Media Art Bath and Situations.

Administrator, part time

Jasmine Thompson

Jasmine is an illustrator, mural artist and designer. She is passionate about sector change and advocating for marginalised artists and communities. Jasmine has installed murals with Royal Shakespeare Company, Bristol Museum and Barbican. She is a resident at the Pervasive Media Studio and is a board member at Rising Arts Agency.