I am an artist-educator led by curiosity and reforming. I use the process of meeting people, learning, and making to build connections. I am interested in art as a common, with ‘a common’ being defined as 'something shared by people and open for public use'. Art education is a big part of this and what it means to me forms the base of my practice.
Growing up working-class, I didn’t visit an art gallery until I started university. I realised the barriers in arts education for the working-class were noticeable. My practice is made from collections of thoughts, notes and ideas informed by research, exploring how to make change and dismantle these barriers. In this I am focused on questioning what art education can be and its possibilities beyond formal education.
My methods, span publication, writing, digital practice and textiles. My projects are often produced in galleries and community spaces, critically emphasising the importance of creative education and relationships between art spaces, artists and community. Facilitation is a significant part of my practice. I use this to connect different practices, collections and places with communities and to make art accessible.
Contact: info@pollybrant.com
Selected exhibitions and projects:
Multistory. Writing Commission. Issue 1: From Where I Speak: The Printing Room Art Ecology Journal. 2023-24.Where We Are: Wolverhampton. Wolverhampton Art Gallery and the British Museum. 2024-25.Classroom of Creativity, Warwick Arts Centre. 23/2024. Creative Connections. Ikon Gallery. July 2023.A movement in the direction of trying to make sense. BCN Artist Bursary and Residency recipient, Multistory. 2022. Wolverhampton Degree Show. 2023.
Weekend Celebration of Creativity. UK New Artists: New Artist Collective. Lincoln Arts Centre. 2023.Pass it on. Staying With The Trouble, Black Hole Club. Vivid Projects. December 2022.Cut Copy Remix II: Black Hole Club x Birmingham Museums. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. 2022.
Walking workshop – As Strange As Familiar, Ikon Gallery: The Migrant Festival. 2021.