About

About Kate, Founder of KDOA

I’m Kate Davey, a researcher, curator and creative project leader with deep expertise in equity, justice and inclusion in the UK cultural sector. For almost 15 years, I’ve been designing and leading transformative programmes that challenge the exclusivity of the art world, placing artists, professionals and audiences who face barriers not just into the room, but at the centre of the conversation.

My work has spanned the arts, charity and health sectors, from grassroots initiatives to national strategy. I’ve worked with organisations including Clore Leadership, Outside In, the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance, the British Art Network, and the National Centre for Creative Health; always with a focus on advocating for those traditionally excluded from cultural spaces. I am also a regular contributor to Raw Vision Magazine.

In 2025, I completed my PhD exploring the rise (and limitations) of outsider art’s inclusion in the UK’s cultural mainstream. My research interrogates the persistent systems that define whose art is celebrated, whose stories are heard, and whose are sidelined. It’s a call to rethink power, people, and processes in pursuit of a more inclusive cultural landscape.

Alongside this, I’ve long championed self-taught and system-impacted artists through writing, curating and programme development. I create unique learning and development opportunities that support individuals and organisations to challenge dominant narratives and rethink how leadership, creativity and inclusion show up in practice.

What to expect from KDOA

KDOA shines a light on the work of artists who exist outside the traditional structures of the art world, and whose creativity is powerful, urgent and worthy of serious attention.

‘Outsider Art’ isn’t just a category, it’s a challenge to the way the art world decides what counts, what’s valued and who gets seen. This blog is dedicated to untangling that challenge. Through artist showcases, exhibition reviews, guest contributions and critical reflections, KDOA asks the hard questions: Why is outsider art still seen as ‘other’? What would a truly inclusive art world look like?

You’ll also find posts tied to my own research and work, like my recently completed PhD research where I looked at how labels, institutions, and funding models can unintentionally keep artists on the margins, and what needs to shift (structurally and culturally) to make real change.

Get in touch

I am always interested to engage with artists, cultural workers, policy makers, reasearchers – and anyone else! – about these topics. Likewise, if there is something specific you would like to see in this blog, or you have any queries on any of my posts, please do contact me by emailing katedavey50@gmail.com.