Arthouse Unlimited, in essence, sustains safe creative space for people with complex needs by making products that make you feel good. You can find chocolates, seeds, homewares - all wrapped in the most joyful, evocative artwork. This impressive charity works with adults needing additional support and offers them a sense of purpose. The idea is to embed artists into the community and let them celebrate their talents. We are all obsessed with their art and if you've been to our shops - you probably love their chocolate bars. Meet the incredible founder of Arthouse Unlimited - Becky Sheraidah.
Becky Sheraidah
You focus your energy on inclusion. Was this always your calling?
I have always loved people and the energy when people work together, I love community. I don’t like seeing anyone left out. Inclusion comes naturally, I enjoy celebrating people and helping them feel excited, part of something and just have fun together.
Stephen Thomson
When did you focus on a safe studio space?
From the very beginning. The studio must feel safe before anything else can happen. Some of the artists live with complex conditions such as severe epilepsy or high support needs. The artists must know they are cared for and protected while they are with us. When people feel safe, they feel free. That freedom allows each person to experiment, express themselves and enjoy the process.
Amy Sherratt
Who are your artists?
All of the artists are individuals who require a high level of support in daily life. Many live within supported living environments and need ongoing care. At ARTHOUSE Unlimited they are artists first. The studio gives each person a place where skills, ideas and personality lead the process. Each person brings a unique style and way of working. The role of the studio is to create the environment where that can grow.
Amanda Leigh
Philippa Morrison
Adam Preston
Making art with non verbal or visually impaired artists must require great sensitivity. Can you tell me about your team?
Every art instructor is a professional artist. They understand colour, composition and how to develop work that can include each person. I art direct with a brief, understanding how we can engage skills and talents, understanding individuals’ uniqueness, ensuring an outcome is delivered to sell. The art instructors have incredible abilities to work closely with each person. Every artist has a different way of communicating and working. The instructor learns how each person uses tools, colour and movement. Together they develop a process where the person can be expressive through process, feel value and recognised for contribution. It’s a team effort and the artists definitely feel part of a peer group and team. The instructor supports and guides so the final work can stand proudly, that we then develop into product to reach a wider audience.
Nathan Walsh
Elena Richardson
What is the process that takes you from an artwork to a chocolate bar?
The chocolate bar plays an important role in three ways. First, the sale supports the charity and helps sustain the studio. Second, each person sees work out in the world on a product people enjoy. Third, it spreads awareness of the charity and the artists. Artwork is created throughout the year with an awareness of where the market is heading. New designs and flavours keep the product fresh and interesting. The bar moves quickly through shops, giving repeated visibility and pride. The artists focus on painting and drawing without pressure to design a product.
Elena Richardson
Do you get involved in merchandising, and who decides what gets made?
Yes. Merchandising has always been part of my role. When I first imagined ARTHOUSE Unlimited, I saw the artwork being produced and realised it could become a sustainable model. My job is to look at the artwork and think about how it might translate into products, whether chocolate, homeware or fashion. I keep an eye on what people respond to in the market and guide how the artwork moves into those spaces.
Jack Churchyard
Dominic Chin
You have also collaborated with big highstreet brands like Urban Outfitters and Lush. What was your experience of taking creative work into the masses?
The work already reaches a wide audience. We sell over five hundred thousand chocolate bars each year, so the artwork travels far and wide. Working with Lush was particularly exciting because of global reach. People from all over the world discovered the charity through that collaboration. Messages came from places like Japan where people had seen the artwork and wanted to know more. With Urban Outfitters, the joy was seeing artwork worn in everyday life. Fashion gives people a stage. When someone walks down the street wearing a design created by one of the artists, the artwork becomes part of the public conversation.
Karen Brown
Chris Potter
Twenty years ago many of these artists were not recognised… Have you seen the impact?
Every day. Some of the artists have been with the charity for twenty years. I have watched individuals grow from feeling unsure about skills to feeling confident and proud to call themselves artists. The impact spreads far beyond the studio. Volunteers feel connected to something meaningful. Staff feel proud of the work supported. Families often share how much it means to see a relative’s work recognised. Customers also share stories about family members with learning disabilities and how hopeful it feels to see what is possible. The ripple effect is huge.
How many adults does your charity support?
There are ninety six placements in the studio. Around fifty attend regularly, usually two or three times a week.
Artwork by Ben Kennedy
The artwork from your studio has been included in shows at The Royal Academy. How does that feel?
It feels wonderful, but also fitting. The work is deeply collaborative. The artists, instructors and studio environment all contribute to the final piece. Seeing work recognised in a space like the Royal Academy celebrates not only the work itself but also the idea that collaboration thrives through inclusion.
Chris Hodding
At Curiouser we love your chocolate bars. Can you talk about their origin?
The chocolate bars celebrate joy. The artwork has a sense of openness and freedom that invites people in. The flavours are playful and the designs bold. The gold frame on the packaging comes from the tradition of artworks hanging in galleries. It felt right to give the artists the same treatment. The chocolate is ethically sourced and produced in collaboration with UK chocolatiers. The bars bring together good ingredients, joyful design and a product people love to share.
Mandy Lyne
Joy seems to be the common thread in your work. Was that always your intention?
Yes. The artists themselves are joyful people. Collaboration opens a space where people can relax, express themselves and enjoy the process. That sense of freedom naturally creates joy. Even though there is serious purpose behind the charity, what we want people to feel when they see the artwork or pick up a product is simple happiness. Life needs more joy, so we always choose it.
How do you support your own well being outside of work?
Lots of meditation, beach walks, painting, music, comedy… lots of sharing creativity with friends and family.
David Bell
And finally, if you were to live a life as a non-human animal, what would you be and why?
A whale. I once watched a whale breach and crash back into the water and thought how refreshing that must feel. I would like that, but I would probably be something much more clumsy, like a wilder-beast.
Thank you so much for your time Becky. May everything go the right way for you and your inspiring charity.
We have a lovely range of Arthouse Unlimited products here.
