At DAiSY, we believe creativity has the power to bring people together, support wellbeing, and build stronger communities. None of that happens alone; it happens through connection. DAiSY runs as a network model, supporting both organisations and artists. Over the next nine months, we’re going to take a closer look at the model through Participatory Action Research, so we wanted to take a moment to introduce our format
1. Our Member Network is at the heart of what we do
Did you know that Surrey is a hive of inclusive cultural activity? We run in a county where there’s a uniquely high amount of disability organisations. At the core of DAiSY is a gathering of disability organisations from across Surrey who offer a creative programme. Our 18 member organisations vary in size and delivery format – from day service providers to touring dance companies.
Together, they form our member network. Our member network meets regularly to shape our strategy, share resources, and explore the issues that matter across the county. Our members take part in group exhibitions, training projects and more. You can view our members here, please do get in touch if you’d like to join.
We truly believe in the power of disability arts networks to support flourishing cultural ecosystems that are accessible to all.
2. The DAiSY-Chain Artist Network
Alongside our member network, we also bring together disabled artists from across Surrey through our DAiSY Chain Artist Network. This group of 120 independent artists have the opportunity to meet monthly to experience art and culture together, build friendships and develop collaboration opportunities in the process.
The social meet-ups are both online and in-person. Often, the artists visit exhibitions, or take part in professional training projects together. Through the network, there’s also access to professional support, mentoring, and commission opportunities directly through DAiSY. Check out the DAiSY Chain Network here!
3. We run exciting projects
As an organisation, we fundraise to run cultural projects for our members and artist network to collaborate on. It’s our mission to make Surrey an inclusive and accessible place for all disabled artists, we champion this by running our projects in partnership with cultural venues across the county, consulting on access and promoting the varied output of the artists in the area. We also provide professional CPD training for our networks.
Our latest project on Habitat Sculptures is a wonderful example of the bold, imaginative work we love to support.
4. We occasionally put on big events!
Since 2011, we’ve hosted five inclusive art festivals – these are incredibly joyful, celebrations of disability arts activity in the county. Our most recent DAiSY FEST in November 2025 was the most ambitious edition yet, with two days of activities, hosting a sector wide national symposium plus a day long public festival with over 38 performances, workshops and exhibitions from our member and artist networks.
The event welcomed over 500 people through the doors, bringing together artists, disability organisations, and cultural partners for a ‘Festival of Connections’. Overall, the festival celebrated the power of connections, local and national.
Whether you’re an artist, an organisation, or simply someone who cares about creative communities, there’s a place for you in the DAiSY network. We’re passionate about building something inclusive, sustainable, and bold in Surrey and beyond.
