Who We Are

Our Visual World Values

Supporting Deaf Visual Artists in South Wales.

Vision and mission

Located in the heart of south Wales, Our Visual World (OVW) is dedicated to extending our support and resources to Deaf visual artists throughout Wales.

Our mission transcends geographical boundaries as we aim to cultivate a thriving community where Deaf Visual Artists flourish and thrive.

We are passionate about developing and sustaining meaningful connections between Deaf Visual Artists and key allies within galleries and museums, ensuring their voices are heard. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we work to ensure that Deaf Visual Artists are not only seen but celebrated for their unique perspectives and contributions.

Our vision extends beyond mere representation; we are committed to building a stronger and more inclusive arts sector. Through shared understanding and appreciation, we aim to break down barriers and create a more accessible and welcoming space for Deaf Visual Artists to thrive.

How we came to be

Deaf creative, activist and campaigner Jonny Cotsen and Jane Simpson, who runs GS Artists in Swansea put together the idea, partnering with Disability Arts Cymru, Llanelli Deaf Club and Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.

We engaged experienced people in the Deaf and visual Arts communities for guidance and support from: Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq, who is Deaf and an Arts Psychotherapist, Heather Williams, who specialises in project management and BSL/Access Consultancy, and Tom Goddard, who is an artist and hard  of hearing since birth.

Our Visual World is a Connect and Flourish project, supported by  Arts Council Wales.

Meet the Team

Heather Williams
Our Visual World Lead & Artist
Heather has over 30 years of experience managing various projects in the third sector. As a freelancer, she currently leads Our Visual World, manages a Disability Dance Company and recently co-founded Deaf Gwdihŵ with Jonny Cotsen to support Deaf creatives in Wales. Additionally, she is an artist with her own studio on Queen Street in Cardiff, where she works with the Neurospicy Arts Collective. She exhibited in the Radical Joy of Unmasking exhibition at Cardiff Umbrella (2024).
Emily Rose
Artist
Emily is a Artist, a Mother and a Deaf woman. Emily want to make stuff accessible... Is that too much to ask for in 2024? Emily uses her raw emotions through mixed media, abstract art and videography exploring her wonderful chaotic journey of Motherhood, Life and Language Deprivation in Deaf community. Based in Cardiff and the Vale.
Kate Evans
Photographer
Kate Evans is a photographer in South Wales. Her style involves capturing moments and storytelling, as well as capturing nature in motion, for example following the flow of waterfalls. She likes to experiment with different art forms and media. She loves engaging with people and finding out what makes them who they are. She loves going out in nature and cold dipping as it brings mindfulness.