D.I.Y. as Privilege

RICHARD PHOENIX is an artist living and working in London who uses painting, drawing, writing, interaction and music to learn about how people can be together. He has worked with learning disability arts organisations and individual artists and musicians since 2006 as a facilitator, collaborator and project co-ordinator. He is currently Artist-in-Residence in the Tate's Schools and Teachers Department and Associate Artist for organisation Heart n Soul. His involvement within the UK's D.I.Y. music scene includes being in the bands Sauna Youth, Monotony, Child's Pose, The Steal and Captain Everything!, among others-and his own artistic practice informs his interest in how accessibility and inclusion can improve things for all. He founded Constant Flux in 2013 to support bands with learning disabilities to tour the UK and play integrated gigs. He has worked for organisations such as Heart n Soul, Carousel, Club Soda, Culture Shift and Stay Up Late supporting people with learning disabilities to form bands, create music, record and perform; as well as organising countless other gigs, releases, events and projects.