What We Do

CELEBRATING THE ARTS THROUGH CREATIVE COLLABORATION AND CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION 

Founded in 2011, we are a non-profit arts organisation committed to providing UK-based artists with unique international residency opportunities.

In collaboration with UK arts professionals, we design bespoke 3-6 month programms that enable artists to work in prestigious partner institutions abroad.

In addition to advancing their professional practice, our residencies offer artists the opportunity to engage with local art students, tutors, and fellow artists, while exploring the vibrant culture and immersing themselves in the dynamic art scenes of the host country.

Our Goals

  • To create and inspire artwork that celebrates arts in education, society and industry.

  • To promote creative practice as an underlying value of a healthier nation at a local, regional and national level.

  • To further the development and understanding of visual arts at graduate and professional levels.

  • To celebrate the locality of the host institution through open studios and proliferation during the three-month programme.

  • Damian Rayne

    FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

    Damian is an arts and culture professional and the founder of SUP, along with several other arts initiatives. With a focus on fostering nurturing environments for artists, he leads the development of impactful artistic projects that not only enrich the arts but also make a meaningful contribution to the broader community.

  • Sangita Mistry

    SUP ASSOCIATE

    Sangita is an experienced art psychotherapist, photographer, and educator with over 20 years of expertise. In 2011, she was among the first artists to join the SUP initiative in Gujarat, India. She plays a pivotal role in assessing artist suitability for the programme and providing ongoing support to both artists and institutions throughout their residencies in India.

  • Samantha Y Huang

    CO-DIRECTOR TAIWAN

    Samantha (Yun-Ting), a Taiwanese-born champion of the arts, is a co-founder of SUP Taiwan. She oversees operations and administration, working closely with partner institutions and galleries in Taiwan to advance the mission of the SUP organisation.

  • Amit Rai Sharma

    CO-DIRECTOR TAIWAN

    Amit is a practicing artist with extensive experience in artist-led project management and outreach. As a co-founder of SUP Taiwan, he plays a key role in designing residency programms and providing ongoing support to artists throughout their time abroad.