Pilot complete: what doors did Emergent open for Abigail Jacqueline Jones?

I was still suffering from the burnout I experienced after my solo show in 2021, where I didn't support for the venue and gallery. I thought it'd [Emergent] be a good opportunity, working with people that would understand what my skills and limitations were as a person - particularly considering my neuro-type basically. 

I was looking for opportunities, specifically for disabled artists because it'd only been within the last nine months, I'd come to terms with the idea of autism as a disability and I came across the social model of disability - it really stuck with me. It made me less insecure about identifying in that way and realising that these opportunities for disabled artists are what I need and deserved.

It's helped reinforce some of the lessons I had already subconsciously realised. Also going through the process of the DYCP application with you - It's just realising exactly what sort of research and art making processes I really wanted to do.

I feel through the process of Emergent, I have learned a lot about where I want my practice to go. It's allowed me more structure to look at all the elements of my practice, from what I want to do, to how to get there, making connections and going through the administrative processes to make things happen. It's made my professional life better!

Do you feel like your practice and/or career has experienced any direct improvements during Emergent?

This answer could change very dramatically, depending on what happens next week. [After conducting this interview, Abigail received a DYCP grant through Arts Council England]. If I do end up securing the Arts Council money, it definitely will have!

This time has mostly been about administration and project planning for me. I don't like the idea of being one of those artists who has regular small group exhibitions and things. I'd rather be the person who can have a secure income and keep plugging away at projects that I care about. I don't see this represented a huge amount in art spaces. I am positive that Emergent has given me a framework from which to build my thinking around funding and arranging timelines.

We know terms like ‘emerging’ can create barriers for some artists. What does being described as an ‘emerging artist’ mean to you?

I mean it's understandable, but it’s a bit restrictive at times. Opportunities for emerging artists tend to have a very strict time limit in terms of how long you have been an artist. I've felt a bit of insecurity about being so far behind in my career. At university, I struggled going into a workplace, having to come out and begin transitioning, which was frightening.

In the education system, for example, what works and what makes sense, may not capture the full experience of people within the system. I guess, for whatever reason no matter what barriers they face, it has led to them being either delayed in pursuing a career in art, or that held them back from pursuing it at all until later on in life.

What’s next for you?

There's a lot of things that are coming to a head over the next couple of weeks. Whatever happens, I am still going to plough ahead with developing the projects I've been formulating during Emergent.

I want to revisit the piece from my solo show back in 2021 among other things. One of the activities that I've arranged to do if I get the DYCP is to produce workshops with a theatre design director and a performance practitioner.

I'm just waiting on these last few decisions on opportunities I’ve applied for and then I'll know my next steps.