Who we are
Associates are independent practicing artists who form a reciprocal support network of multi-skilled, socially engaged artists. Our members currently include artists from Portsmouth, to Andover, to London, and the towns in between
We are united by the following values and approaches:
“I think CAS is very individual in its openness and inclusiveness. So its a real strength to have artists that have just graduated with artists who have been artists for 20 years. There’s no hierarchy and it’s very supportive and if people do have issues we make sure we do everything we can to make sure they can take part at the same level.”
– Susan Francis
CAS Program Curator
- Reciprocal, mutually beneficial relationships
- Open, supportive, peer-to-peer learning environment
- Questioning and creative dissent.
- Artist-led, practice-led activities.
Our Approach
CAS artists promote the value of art and creativity. We do so by delivering creative experiences in our local communities including schools, towns, and organisations. When working with the public we encourage active involvement in the creative process. The skills learned, and the new experiences gained by the public is often where the lasting impact is made.
Social research: Many of our artists are interested in exploring how we see and relate to social landscape that makes up the world around us. When we come together as a studio group we are characterised by our “creative questioning” aka Dissent methodology.
Social practice: Our artists are given allowed full autonomy space to pursue their own interests and research, however we tend to attract artists who are socially engaged. This means CAS artists tend to include some element of social enquiry or social engagement in the work they produce. Our artists drive the direction of our program, by maintaining an active art practice and active presence within the studio group.
Social service: The majority of our artists participate in some form of outreach activity, engaging with the world around them to deliver experiences, transfer skills, inspire creativity and facilitate co-creativity. Many of our artists have an interest in developing works that involve public engagement such as participatory public art, or arts education.
