Cultivating spaces for extraordinary artists

Art as Refuge Conference

‘Art as Refuge’ is a two-day conference organised by Outside In, hosted by The New Art Gallery Walsall and funded by The Baring Foundation.

Day One: 19 September
Day Two: 20 September

For more information and tickets: ‘Art as Refuge’ Conference 2025.​​​​​​​

The event will run alongside the National Exhibition, ‘Shelter’, featuring the work of the Outside In artists that inspired the conference theme.

Through a variety of workshops, discussions and performances, our programme examines the importance of creativity in people’s lives provoking conversation around the following questions:

  • How does art provide space, respite, comfort, escape and, collectively, refuge?
  • Am I an artist? Who decides the role, intention or validity of an artwork and its creator?
  • What role does identity and intersectionality play in creative expression?
  • Why is art made in the context of mental distress pathologised?
  • Where is the voice of the artist in galleries, museums and heritage collections?


Partners

Places at the conference are limited. Tickets also include lunch and refreshments.

Please let them know if:

  • you have any access requirements
  • you require BSL interpretation
  • you have any allergies or dietary requirements