care for a body
art meets activism: disability justice for person-centered care
open call
The theme of the exhibition is disability rights within the UK (and globally), centred around the increasingly oppressive system of government that prioritises capital over people, endangering the lives of people with disabilities by implementing austerity measures that severely decrease their quality of life. This exhibition aims to bridge understanding by creating a conversation that pushes for lasting change to support those with disabilities and better their quality of life.
Championing disabled artists will serve to highlight the structural inequalities disabled people face in their day to day, raising awareness of issues otherwise unknown or disregarded by the general public. The overarching objective of this exhibition is to alter public perception around disability rights, creating a community space, a system of support that directly combats the individualist nature of our society.
artistic mediums
Artists are encouraged to explore diverse artistic mediums, that can be displayed in a Virtual Gallery Space (potential for in-person show in Dec 2025) including but not limited to:
Painting, drawing, and illustration
Sculpture and installation (Images of work)
Photography and digital art
Mixed media and collage
Performance and interactive art
Video art and animation
No AI Generated Content
details
Locations: Global submissions welcomed
Ages: Open to artists of all 13+ due to sensitive topics
Number of works: Each artist may submit up to 10 pieces
🗓️ please apply here
Google Form: https://forms.gle/YnEoiSuXAyvSxtHF7
Submission Deadline: April 30th, 2025
📍 contact
There is no submission fee and no participation fee as we firmly believe in providing an accessible platform for artists to share their voices and stories.

Themes to Explore
Disability & Society
Impact of societal treatment, hardships, stereotypes, policies, and benefits.
Support System
Role of carers, family, friends, gov/private orgs, and charities in daily life.
Representation
Balancing individuality and self-expression with societal expectations.
Awareness
What non-disabled people should understand about disability struggles and identity.
activism + empowerment
Use your art to inspire conversations, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for mental health and gender equity.
project curator
Enya EP![]()
Enya Esteban Prince passionately explores the intricacies of daily life and the human psyche, focusing on women's experiences. She is a Spanish-British artist who highlights the complexity of the human experience in her work. As the curator, Enya's role deeply resonates with the exhibition's exploration of identity, belonging, struggles, and representation.
contact enya
Curatorial Statement
Disabled people are one of the most oppressed groups within the UK. According to the report ‘Time to Think Again’, 42% of families that rely on disability benefits are in poverty. The UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities stated that the UK was in ‘grave violation’ of the UN convention due to austerity measures that severely affected social care, housing, and disability benefits, namely Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the Independent Living Fund (ILF). A coalition of organisations formed by disabled communities highlighted that austerity measures are already responsible for tens of thousands of deaths by forcing disabled people into poverty, with little access to support or employment.
Art as a form of political activism has worked to champion disability rights in the past, most notably by the Disabled Arts Movement that led to the implementation of what is now known as the Equality Act in the UK. By showcasing disabled artists in an online group exhibition and then featuring a selection in a physical space, accompanied by an open mic night, we aim to counter the demonisation of disabled people, platforming their voices and advocating for community based, people centred reform for disabled people in the UK and around the world.
stay in touch
If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to the same email address.
hello.thestarvingartist@gmail.com
Disclaimer
By submitting your artwork to The Starving Artist for Care for a Body exhibition & publication, you agree to the following:
The Starving Artist Initiative has permission to use & showcase your artwork for marketing, image use, & publication purposes. We do not sell your artworks or charge for participation. Any funds raised from sales of publications will support The Starving Artist Fund.
By submitting your artwork to The Starving Artist for Care for a Body exhibition & publication, you agree to the following:
The Starving Artist Initiative has permission to use & showcase your artwork for marketing, image use, & publication purposes. We do not sell your artworks or charge for participation. Any funds raised from sales of publications will support The Starving Artist Fund.
We can feature your work in the exhibition & publication indefinitely unless agreed upon otherwise. We can reproduce & edit images of your artwork for promotional, design & documentation purposes.
Publication and Exhibitions: Your artwork may be included in the publication, exhibitions & media publicity. Each artist will receive a digital download, but no monetary compensation will be provided. The Starving Artist is not liable for any harm, loss or damage during any stage of the project process.
Publication and Exhibitions: Your artwork may be included in the publication, exhibitions & media publicity. Each artist will receive a digital download, but no monetary compensation will be provided. The Starving Artist is not liable for any harm, loss or damage during any stage of the project process.
By submitting your artwork, you confirm your understanding and agreement to these terms.