Our story
The Chronically ill artists network #ChronicallyIllArtistsNetwork or CIAN (pronounced sea-ann) was co- founded by Louise Wildish and Tilly Branson in early 2021.
They have worked in the arts for over three decades and were diagnosed with chronic illnesses at different stages in their careers. They met through a research project that Louise undertook entitled 'Enter Stage not quite Right' funded by Arts Council England which aimed to explore working models for people working in theatre and the arts with chronical illnesses. Tilly and Louise met as part of the project and subsequently developed the Chronically ill Artists Network. Learn more
What we do
We work nationally to provide support, opportunities, information and advocacy to or for chronically ill disabled artists, producers and arts professionals who currently work, want to work, or have previously worked in the arts. We work as individuals, and as a collective and with organisations on strategic campaigns that make a positive change to the lives of chronically ill disabled arts professionals.
Gallery
"My worst fear is being 'seen' as weak. Trust me I am anything but that. Living with a chronic illness/disability means I'm certainly not weak.”
Anon
“Being part of this network gives me some hope that change is coming. I am good at what I do, I just need a little bit more support”
Anon
“I have hidden my disability and chronic illness for so long because the arts isn't designed for the chronically ill. I worry where my next gig will come from if I am 'out'.”