It’s no use going back to yesterday because I was a different person then. —-Alice, Alice in Wonderland
Kevin Devonport, a self-taught emerging artist based in Leeds, began painting while serving a prison sentence for drug offences. This unconventional entry led to his first award, a Koestler award for painting at London’s South Bank Centre. Since then, he has won international awards in Florence, Milan, and Paris. Despite lacking artistic qualifications, his First-Class Honours BSc in Social Science shapes the themes of his paintings. His work has been exhibited across the UK and Europe, and has been extensively covered by the UK press.
Our studio was inspired by the journey of Kevin Davenport — a self-taught artist and former prisoner whose creativity became a turning point in his life. His story showed us how art can be more than expression; it can be a way forward. It was through this connection that the idea for our studio was born: a space that uses creativity to support people from difficult backgrounds in finding their voice, confidence, and purpose.
We are a micro, independent social enterprise. We operate on a not-for-profit basis, and every penny we generate is reinvested directly into community interest projects and educational programmes.
When you book a course with us, your tuition fee is more than a payment — it is a financial gift. It enables others to access creative education through the studio bursary programme, which they might not otherwise be able to afford, helping them develop their creative voice and enhance their quality of life.
By choosing to learn with us, you give value, contribute in a truly unique way, and help others build good long-term prospects. This altruistic act becomes, for many, an ultimate source of fulfilment: learning something meaningful while empowering someone else to move forward through creativity.
The Art of No Noise is deeply grateful for your generosity. Your support helps open the door for others to discover their creative voice.
Drookit Artists Studio 