With artists you get what is going on…: What is meant by artist-led and how does this make a difference?

This ongoing research explores the influence and importance of studio practice, investigating the impact of artistic and creative activity, with an aim to identify attitudes that might inform making art with others. My principal argument is that artist-led approaches offer a distinctive methodology towards learning; creating supportive environments and conditions that enable participants to be creative, reflect, explore and ultimately learn. This study employs a complementary practice led approach.

By drawing upon empirical data, the research describes the current work of a variety of artists and organisations, unified through the theme and approach of artist-led. This explores studio, gallery and individual practitioners perspectives, recognising that this is a two way process in which both artist and participant can benefit. My conclusion discusses how the artist’s own creative practice informs their work as educator and facilitator.