I like to build communities.

I want to make art accessible, engaging and inclusive for those who are interested in the wonders of painting, performance and material squishing. As well as for those who think art is an elusive and hierarchical club that is all a wee bit confusing.

I’m a sociable creature, I like chatting with and working alongside people. I find lone working, which is often inherent in the art world, pretty hard to create within.

I like to form comforting spaces for us to exist, play with interesting materials and ideas, and talk about our experiences. I offer workshops in materiality, idea development, drawing, painting and textiles for individuals, groups, institutions and organisations. I also like to lead conversations that are critical in a supportive and nourishing way and can help folk to develop ideas and push existing work in new ways.

I am interested in, but not exclusively focussed on, working in places that are perceived as outside of urban centres, working with queer and inclusive run spaces, and with organisations that are interested in building genuine connections with the communities that surround them.

Alongside being an artists, I have 15 years experience as a Social Care Worker supporting adults with disabilities and life long conditions.

If you would like to discuss me facilitating gatherings or workshops for you please give me an email on vivianmrosssmith[at]gmail[dot]com or drop me a DM on Instagram.

Some gatherings I have facilitated:

I ran a series of animation workshops for adults and children funded by The Scottish Governments’ Autism Strategy.
I have lectured in Fine Art and Visual Culture for UWE Bristol, Swansea College of Art and University of The Highlands and Islands.
In my role as Programme Coordinator at artist-led org, Gaada, I supported artists in weekly art workshops.
I ran a series of banner making workshops for adults with disabilities on behalf of Project Ability and COP26.
I facilitated drop in workshops for adults to learn how to make and stitch with fish leather in Denmark, Newfoundland and Shetland.
I ran a blanket making workshop with The LGBTQ+ Blanket Project as part of my solo show Holding Place.
For three years I was workshop leader for Shetland Arts’ Arts in Care programme.
In 2024, I will be running Queer Crafting workshops at Out and Wild, the UK’s biggest festival for lesbian, bi, trans and queer women and those who are non-binary.

Please see my CV for a full overview of my experience.