Intoart

Founded in 2001 by Ella Ritchie and Sam Jones, Intoart began as an eight-week project to respond to a lack of high-quality arts education and limited opportunities for artists with learning disabilities. Determined to challenge preconceptions and overturn prejudices, Intoart aims to provide a platform for people with learning disabilities to become both visible and equal in the art world – not merely applauded for participating, but recognised and respected as creatives in their own right. Since its establishment, Intoart has become a permanent, full-time programme and studio space, guiding and supporting the work of 21 artists and designers, working in illustration, fashion, ceramics, product and graphic design. Now with a new and much-expanded space in Peckham, Intoart houses art and design studios, a shop and an archive of 2,000 artworks, and maintains an exhibition programme in collaboration with contemporary art galleries and museums. Members of the collective have had their work showcased in high-profile group and solo exhibitions and acquired by national collections, and many have gone on to establish independent careers in art, supported by Intoart’s Solo Artists programme.