Case Studies
Artistic Director
Sense: Artistic Director
Rich and diverse commissions, hybrid projects, consultancy and advisory work, mentoring and creative enabling training.
Artistic Director of Visual Arts - In 2022 I was invited to become the Artistic Director of Visual Arts for Sense, as part of Sense’s successful bid for National Portfolio Organisation status with Arts Council England. With a freelance contract of 48 days per year I have developed an artistic vision for the visual arts called This is My Art, supporting the creative practice of people with complex disabilities. Overseeing projects happening in multiple locations across England, I am delivering my artistic vision to disabled freelance artists being recruited to deliver the project. This is My Art seeks out and nurtures creative talent and enables Sense creatives to make art in their own way. It encourages a non-interventional approach within visual arts that is embedded in individual creative choice, supports art practice without influence and encourages experimental exploration.
“As Sense’s Artistic Director for Visual Arts, Tanya Raabe-Webber embodies our commitment to inclusivity and creativity in every aspect of her work. Her work has had a profound impact across the charity, not only in shaping our visual arts programme but in shifting perceptions of what Disability Arts in Care art can be.”
Manifesto - During the pandemic I was asked by Sense Arts to create a manifesto for Sense Connect - a programme for disabled people to form social connections with peers and non-disabled people at that difficult time and beyond. The manifesto that I created was intended to provide a broad set of statements to support disabled people to tackle loneliness and isolation. I visited several online sessions that were taking place and made a series of paintings based on these sessions, creating key aims at the same time; be bold, be curious, seek new experiences, find joy in the challenge, connect and be connected. The contract was 10 days and covered planning, delivery and an additional cost for materials.
Sense Art Club - After the manifesto, Sense and myself were keen to continue working together and thanks to an Esmée Fairbairn funding bid we developed ideas to run an online Sense Art Club, offered out to people using Sense services across the country. Using zoom, the initial 8 accessible sessions were delivered every 2 weeks with a month long break in the middle. I developed a series of themes and created an easy read document to accompany each session that was sent out to all the participants in advance. Participants also received a box of high quality art materials chosen by myself. The first ‘season’ of Art Club entailed 12 contracted days, including planning, delivery, devising easy reads, sharing and evaluation. We have continued to deliver further ‘seasons’ of Art Club that have included exhibitions at Touch base Pears and the Loughborough Hub, as well as a virtual exhibition. Participants are developing their own artistic practice and have been able to devise and lead their own themed sessions.
“Through her creative workshops, artists mentoring, delivery of online art club, commissions and collaborations at Sense, Tanya creates safe and inspiring spaces where individuals can explore & develop their artistic identity. Tanya’s leadership in co-creation puts disabled artists and the people we support at the heart of the creative process, amplifying diverse and often unheard voices.”
More examples of my work:
National Trust: Beningbrough Hall
The Orpheus Centre
Commissions
Consultancy