Visual Arts South West is the professional network for visual arts in the South West
We connect artists, art workers and organisations across the region—supporting visibility, sharing opportunities, and strengthening the sector through research, advocacy and collaboration.
We work regionally and nationally to ensure artists and organisations are recognised as vital to communities and society.
Our work spans the South West, from Cornwall to the Cotswolds, Bristol to the Isle of Wight.
Our research provides vital insight into the experiences of people living and working in the South West. We work with national partners to advocate for the visual arts and drive policy change.
We promote artists, art workers and organisations across the South West through our directories, listings, editorial content and communications.
We develop and deliver programme that responds to the needs of our community – supporting artists, building networks and creating new opportunities.
We work with organisations to deliver projects that benefit the visual arts sector in the South West.
How We Work
VASW is an independent Community Interest Company (CIC) supported through Spike Island’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding from Arts Council England. Visual Arts South West CIC was incorporated in 2021 and is led by two co-Chairs and a Steering Group.
Support received through Spike Island’s NPO funding (£32,451 annually) contributes to core costs, including part-time staffing, website maintenance, communications platforms and accountancy.
We are part of the Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN), and work with CVAN England and eight regional partner networks to advocate for the visual arts; influence policy; and build a stronger, more resilient sector for artists, organisations and audiences.
Our team is based in Bristol and Plymouth.
Our Team
VASW is led by two co-Directors Lucy Badrocke and Hannah Rose (working collaboratively over 1.5 days a week). They work closely with the co-Chairs and Steering Group to guide development and ensure accountability and good practice. The Chairs and Steering Group members give their time voluntarily.
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Co-director, part time
Hannah Rose
Hannah Rose is a Plymouth based artist. She has played a key role in advocating for and supporting the development of visual arts in the city and region through her varied roles, including as one half of the artist duo LOW PROFILE and previously as Curator of MIRROR at Arts University Plymouth.
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Co-director, part time
Lucy Badrocke
Lucy is a curator and producer from Bristol. Working independently, she leads a commission programme that brings together artists, residents, and community partners to create new work through collaboration and exchange. Lucy was previously curator at Arnolfini, and has held positions at Picture This, Media Art Bath and Situations.
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Comms Producer, part time
Jasmine Thompson
Jasmine is an illustrator, mural artist and designer. She is passionate about sector change and advocating for marginalised artists and communities. Jasmine has installed murals with Royal Shakespeare Company, Bristol Museum and Barbican. She is a resident at the Pervasive Media Studio and is a board member at Rising Arts Agency.
Chairs & Steering Group
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Co-Chair
Rocca Holly-Nambi
Director, b-Side
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Co-Chair
Harriet Cooper
Director, The Burton at Bideford
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Deputy Chair
Daniel Crow
Director, 'a-space' arts
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Treasurer
Janine Boyer
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Steering group member
Erika Cann
Exhibitions Coordinator, Exeter Phoenix and artist
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Steering group member
Laura Hopes
Artist
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Steering group member
Woodrow Kernohan
Director, John Hansard Gallery
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Steering group member
Amanda Lynch
Artist, curator and researcher
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Steering group member
Georgia Newman
Deputy Executive Director, Creative Island
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Steering group member
Melanie Stidolph
Artist
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Steering group member
Nicole Yip
Director, Spike Island
History
Visual Arts South West (VASW) was founded in 2012, evolving from Turning Point South West – part of a national initiative developed by Arts Council England following a 10-year visual arts strategy published in 2006.
The Turning Point programme responded to widespread fragmentation across the visual arts sector. Nine regional networks were established across England to support artists and organisations, and to work collectively towards a shared vision for a stronger, more connected sector.
In the South West, this work developed into Visual Arts South West: an independent network focused on connecting artists, organisations and opportunities across the region.
Since then, VASW has expanded its role through research, advocacy and programme development – supporting collaboration, strengthening infrastructure and responding to the needs of artists and art workers.
In 2021, VASW became an independent Community Interest Company (CIC), establishing a clearer organisational structure and enabling the development of new initiatives, partnerships and ways of working.
Recent work has included the delivery of WEVAA (West of England Visual Arts Alliance), alongside ongoing programmes, research and sector support activity that continues to shape our priorities today.
VASW now operates as the professional network for visual arts in the South West, connecting artists, organisations and opportunities, and working to build a more visible, resilient and equitable sector.
Contact
For general queries please email: [email protected]
Please note that our in-house team work part time across 1.5 days per week and will respond as soon as they can.