“How do I make it as an artist? Can I really turn my passion into a profession?”
Aspiring artists ask themselves these questions frequently. The uncertainty that comes with pursuing art as a career often overshadows the excitement of following one’s passion. At Access Gallery, we believe that our artists’ passion should never be diminished.
We know the statistics all too well: people with disabilities experience a 70% - 90% unemployment rate here in the US. The world seems to be working against people with disabilities who aspire to be artists. But not here at Access Gallery, we, as a community, make space for the creativity, beauty, and meaning artists with disabilities contribute to the world.
Now more than ever, the world needs artists and creatives. Over the last few years, our artists have expressed interest in digital art and design. And we’ve responded to their evolving interests by making it possible for artists with disabilities to pursue their passions in illustration, animation, graphic design, photography, and videography right here at Access Gallery.
As a result of our artists’ growing interest in digital art, Access Gallery opened its third location and new home for our social enterprise. At our Digital Art Lab, artists learn computer skills in cutting-edge design software and are offered paid opportunities to design and create. We offer design services, animation, video and 3D printing.
We believe having access to computers, software, and support is core to our mission of creating economic opportunities for artists with disabilities. With these tools and the support of our team our artists are able to explore job opportunities and apply for open calls for art submissions and public art commissions.
The new Digital Art Lab is located right across the street from our Gallery. Within walking distance from the Gallery and the Studio, it completes Access Gallery’s suite of offerings to artists with disabilities. However, the future sustainability of the program is uncertain.
You can support the Digital Art Lab with a donation on Colorado Gives Day. With your support, we can strengthen this program so that we can sustainably continue to offer it to artists well into the future. We are excited to continue to establish Creative Services as one of our core programs, and we can’t do it without supporters like you. Donate today to help artists with disabilities develop essential career skills. Let’s do this.