Sally Hirst, a 24-year-old visual artist based in Old Trafford, has used her struggles with mental health as an artistic catharsis and success story. She dropped out of college due to health issues, including hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome. Supported with direct payments from Trafford Council, she followed her desire for any freedom of expression with beautiful fervor. This funding enabled her to join a program customized for artists with learning disabilities. Consequently, she was fiercer than anyone in the creative scene.
The world’s leading contemporary artist Hirst’s success in the arts truly has been astounding. Her contributions have received national jubilance. It has since been exhibited at some amazing locations, such as the Jewish Museum in Manchester, the People’s History Museum, star of our wonderful National Portfolio, and the Portico Library. She was recently awarded the coveted Young Creative of the Year at the 2024 Manchester Culture Awards. This honor is a true reflection of her incredible talent and tireless commitment.
Working artist Hirst now flourishes in his role as artist-in-residency at the Everyday Art School at the Whitworth Gallery. This role provides her a global stage to expand her craft and tap into her artistry. She’s even co-curated an art exhibition in Bali, demonstrating her effectiveness to reach audiences on a global scale.
Her mother, Emma Hirst, told Fox 13 of her pride in her daughter’s accomplishments. “It’s amazing to see what my daughter has achieved,” she stated, highlighting the transformative impact of art on Sally’s life.
Sally Hirst reminded her former self just how impactful following her dreams and passions has been to her mental health. “It just feels really amazing to be able to do something that I love and enjoy and I’m passionate about all the time,” she remarked. Her lived experiences emphasize the need for bespoke advocacy and resources to ensure all people with disabilities have the opportunity to pursue and accomplish creative goals.
Jenny Gibson, a cabinet member from Trafford Council, recognized the importance of tailored support in developing creative skills. “Each person’s journey is going to be different for all of the different and complex factors that we all have in our lives,” she said.
While Hirst’s story is astounding, it takes nothing away from her resilience. Beyond that, it unmistakably demonstrates the role of community support in enabling artists with disabilities to create. With continued targeted programs and funding, people like Sally can continue to break barriers and develop lasting vital contributions to the cultural landscape.
