Artist-led: Poolnet

Can you tell us about Poolnet, who you are and what you do?

Poolnet is an online, accessible art collective for Disabled and chronically-ill artists, including but not limited to the self-diagnosed, invisible, neurodivergent, d/Deaf or those with long term physical or mental health conditions. Together, we are creating a vital space where all Disabled artists feel empowered and safe to explore their practice in a sustainable way. Poolnet aims to nurture a supportive community, build lasting networks, share opportunities and work through accessibility in the arts together.

Can you tell us why you set up and how Poolnet is important in the context that you are working in?

Stemming from feelings of isolation and exclusion in regards to their disability, unseen by the art world, Vesper came up with the idea to create a collective that was made by and for disabled artists, with accessibility being a priority, making sure to keep it a judgement and pressure-free zone. They joined forces with Ellie, another disabled artist who was repeatedly fighting for disabled artists to be listened to and represented within her higher education course. We knew that change and community needed to come from our voices directly as disabled artists, and wanted to reflect that with the collective.

Can you tell us about what you are currently working on and if you have any projects coming up you’d like to share with our network?

We will be having monthly critiques, launch pad sessions to explore ideas, and body doubling sessions. Our schedules and all access info will be available on our instagram and VASW Directory, and all members of the collective will be emailed beforehand with access notes and the session itinerary. At the moment our sessions are on the first Saturday and last Monday of the month, subject to change as per request from the members. We are in the process of creating a disabled art history group-led seminar series, alongside creating some opportunities for online artist residencies or exhibitions.

Can you describe your space and context, and how you operate and are funded?

Poolnet was mentored by Joshua Reeves BEM of Don’t Call Me Special and is currently unfunded and run within the online space, from the co-founder’s house in Bristol. The space exists purely online so as to be accessible to most. We are looking to apply for funding this year to allow us to give more opportunities for our community.

Find out more:
Instagram: @poolnet.collective
Linktree: For sign-up forms & link to WhatsApp Community