ARTISTS RESPONDING TO ...
Polly Bates is the Founder and Curator of ARTISTS RESPONDING TO ….
She creates artist-led projects which have included producing a monthly Zine, The Postcard Project, publishing the project into a book, curating a pop-up London exhibition of the works and now a quarterly Magazine. Polly initiated ARTISTS RESPONDING TO… back in August 2020 and launched the Magazine in 2022.
ARTISTS RESPONDING TO… has been awarded ‘Art Platform of the Year’ 2022-2023 by Prestige Awards, find out more on the A.R.T. homepage.
Quarterly Magazine, 2022
ARTISTS RESPONDING TO… Magazine is a quarterly publication combining contemporary art, culture and activism. Featuring international artists and writers who are passionate for change, the publication is carefully curated to challenge, impact and inspire. The Magazine includes the works of artists responding to environmental, political and social issues, as well as interviews, must-see exhibitions, advice columns for early career artists, articles, essays and reviews.
Not only will A.R.T. Magazine capture your attention and ignite the fire in your belly for change in the world, but it will also offer support and opportunities to emerging creatives within the arts community.
ARTISTS RESPONDING TO… Magazine is currently distributed by Central Books to Europe’s bookshops, art galleries and museums. .
The Postcard Project, 2020-2021
At the beginning of November 2020, and the start of the UK’s second national Covid-19 lockdown, ARTISTS RESPONDING TO ... sent 200 postcards across the UK to 200 artists. These artists were invited by Polly to reflect on the year 2020 and create artwork directly on the postcards. Polly then curated the postcards into a London exhibition and published every artwork into an Art Book, available to purchase on A.R.T’s website www.artistsrespondingto.co.uk. The artworks in this book share personal experiences that we can all relate to, and although they are small in size, they are hugely powerful.
“Seeing how much this year has affected every artist in such different ways has really put this year into perspective. The book allows us to experience the artist’s stories in such a raw and honest way, which is sure to evoke a whole array of emotions for our readers. I am incredibly proud to be able to share The Postcard Project with you all.”
Monthly Zine
August 2020 - August 2021
ARTISTS RESPONDING TO ... Zine was the first of many projects. The monthly Zines featured creative depictions and literature highlighting current world issues, news and movements that weren't getting the attention that they deserve, after becoming overshadowed by the global Covid-19 Pandemic. A political and environmental platform to help ignite conversations and spread awareness through visual and written poetic responses.
The Zine included an eclectic range of drawings, paintings, sculptures, digital art, photography, essays, poems, and much more.
Available to view for free online at www.artistsrespondingto.co.uk and on Facebook and Instagram at @artistsrespondingto, with the option to purchase a printed copy via the shop on A.R.T’s website for £6.99.
The A5 Zine is printed on 150gsm recycled paper and has 40 pages filled with creative responses and diverse, exceptional artworks. It is also delivered in 100% recyclable and biodegradable, with no plastic packaging.
