We set up Triad³ on the basis of collective care, support, skill-sharing and artist development, as well as to have a point of contact with people with shared values and respect for each other’s time, energy and worth.

Working as freelance artists when disabled can be an isolating experience in regular circumstances, but whilst shielding through a pandemic, this isolation was magnified. As freelancers we did not have regular colleagues to check in on us or to work remotely with. So when Ellie invited Jacqui and Charlie to work with her, we all decided to create that support network for one another. 

The funding allowed the three of us to develop a novel way of working together. Throughout this process we have created a virtual coworking creative and care focused space, in which we have supported and uplifted each other both creatively and emotionally during a time in which we all experienced increased isolation. The arts council funding allowed us to be paid for this vital work of creative collaboration and co-operative support, something working as freelance artists in a remote, home working capacity is lacking. 

We used the fund to meet on a regular basis to check in and plan how we would like our arts practice group to run sustainably, both now and in the future. We also used the fund to work together virtually in planned creative days to develop our individual art practice in a group environment, harnessing our varied skill sets to help each one of us grow. 

As well as being artists, we are all disabled and disability comes with a lot of work. Personal disability and healthcare related admin is a full-time job in itself. This is also a space for the three of us to share the weight of that experience by lending an ear or even coming up with creative solutions to help each other manage the many barriers of living in society as disabled people.