By Harrie Dearing. First published on harriedearingart.com.
Making Swindon’s Outsider Artists Impossible to Ignore
I’ve lost count of the number of conversations I’ve had with project facilitators, curators, and organisers who all say some version of the same thing: “We just don’t know where to find the artists.” And every time, it stings a bit, because I know exactly why.
The problem
Right now, if you’re looking for artists in Swindon, the pool of information is small and split into niche little pockets. What does exist, is amazing, yet often locked behind membership of a small handful of organisations, each with their own particular terms and conditions for entry. If you don’t fit the criteria, or you’ve never heard of the right group, or you’re simply not “in,” you don’t show up. You don’t get found.
That’s not a talent problem.
Swindon is full of bold, raw, untrained talent.
It’s an access and visibility problem, and it’s one we’ve decided we’re done accepting.
Enough of the politics.
It’s time Outsider artists are visible.
We have a new website for our studio, so let’s dedicate part of this digital space to our amazing community of talent.
Introducing The Brut List
The Brut List is a free directory connecting project makers to the huge pool of untapped talent right here in Swindon and the surrounding area. No gatekeeping. No small print. Just a way to put outsider artists in front of the people looking for them.
Are you bold, raw, untrained talent? Brut wants you.
We’re making it our mission to build a directory of outsider artists across Swindon and beyond, with one goal: making you more visible. Visible to the people scouting artists for projects, exhibitions, and opportunities across town.
How it works
Fill out our short form on StudioBrut.art and you’ll get featured on the Brut List.
Being on the list also keeps you in the loop on every opportunity and event the studio runs.
It’s completely free to join. It costs nothing but the couple of minutes it takes to fill in the form. Once we’ve got your response, we’ll be in touch individually to put together your listing on the site.
If you make work, and nobody’s ever asked you where to show it, this is us asking.
Harrie x