DAiSY - Disability Arts in Surrey

August's DAiSY-chain social will be an in-person visit to Making Space, a community exhibition featuring the works of artists in Elmbridge.

This event is for daisy chain artists. Wanna come along? If you'd like to come let our social coordinator Alicia know via [email protected]. If you're not a part of the DAiSY Chain, follow the link in our bio to join.

📆 When? Saturday 15th August at 2pm
📍 Where? Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Manor Drive, Walton-on-Thames KT2 2PF
💸 How much? Free to visit!
☕️ Refreshments? Cafe and accessible toilets on site

Audio descriptions of the artworks will be available via QR code.
Lift access and accessible toilets in the building
Sensory packs available at the front desk.
Easy read interpretation on site.

A visual story of accessing the building is available, just shoot us a message and we'll send it over!

If you have any queries regarding access, please email [email protected] or call 01932 253354

On Wednesday we launched Making Space 2026, a community exhibition featuring the work of Elmbridge residents.

Here are some moments from the private view! What a pleasure to bring all the participating artists together.

We're so pleased to have curated this in partnership with and with the kind support of R C Sherriff Trust.

This is free exhibition dedicated to showcasing artists from all backgrounds and championing underrepresented voices in the Elmbridge community. It's on show till 23rd August, check it out!

📅 Wednesday 29 July to Sunday 23 August 2026
📍 Robert Phillips Gallery, Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Manor Drive, Walton-on-Thames KT2 2PF
🕰️10am to 4pm daily

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DAiSY was so delighted to collaborate with the Hong Kong based Disability Arts Organisation ADAHK on 'Windows to the World' an international art exchange bringing together disabled artists from Surrey and Hong Kong.

Artists from ADAHK and our member organisations Creative Response, Bloomin' Arts, The Grange, Art Venture, and Halow explored the theme of the view from their window, sharing personal perspectives across cultures and creating a powerful dialogue through art.

The work was first shown at DAiSY FEST in November 2025 and now, in Hong Kong, as part of the Jockey Club Inclusive Arts Studio's Artlink programme. It's wonderful to see the work of our members reaching international audiences and strengthening connections between disability arts communities across the world.

This month we're hosting, not one, but two DAiSY-Chain socials! 💫

💻️ Monday 20th July 7pm: Join our online Lecture with artist and curator Sigi Hill from New Ashgate Gallery as we open up the process behind getting your work into galleries and other creative spaces. Covering writing, exhibition proposals, finding opportunities, who to approach to get started; this talk will lay the groundwork to help you get your show on the road.

👥 Saturday 25th July at 2pm: ListenQueer: LGBTQIA+ History in Guildford at New House Art Space. Come along for this self-guided audio treasure hunt on Guildford’s q***r history hosted by Dr Lena Mattheis (they/she) of University of Surrey. Learn about the LGBTQIA+ people who have shaped Guildford since the 14th century. From kings to composers, from archaeologists to gender anarchists.

Reserve your ticket via the New House Art Space website.

Let our Coordinator Alicia know if you're interested in joining via email [email protected]!

[Image courtesy of and New House Art Space]

Here's Molly's latest workshop with Bloomin' Arts. The group explored textured clay forms - all now waiting to be fired in the kiln!

Molly Wickett is a DAiSY Chain artist and a graduate from our Habitat Sculpture Training Project. On receiving the commission, she is now working with three of our member organisations to co-design an artwork for West Horsley Place's sensory garden.

Molly's works with sculpture and installation art, exploring neurodiversity ecological connections. Check out Molly's practice here: https://buff.ly/qU3NTiW

We're pleased to nominate Amy Mears for Surrey Artist of the Year 2026 🌼

Delivered by New Ashgate Gallery in partnership with Surrey Artists Open Studios since 2009, the award gives artists from across the county a platform to connect with new audiences, collectors, and professional opportunities. DAiSY is proud to contribute to the project.

The shortlisted exhibition opens with a private view at New Ashgate Gallery on Friday 11 September at 6pm. Voting is open in person until 13 October at noon, with the winner announced on 23 October.

The prize includes a £2,000 bursary towards a solo exhibition and community workshop activity.

[Image - Guildford High Street, Acrylic on Canvas Board, painting by Amy Mears]

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That can be made possible with easyfundraising! Anytime you buy online with household names like John Lewis, M&S, Tesco and more, DAiSY receives a cashback donation.

It won’t cost you a penny extra.

All you need to do is:
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Thank you for your support.

A wonderful morning with The Artventure Trust and our habitat sculpture artist Molly Wickett. Thank you West Horsley Place for having us!