This project brings together socially isolated people on the autistic spectrum to take part in twice weekly art classes. Participants use a range of materials to make art, which is then exhibited in the gallery, creating pride and a sense of achievement.
Who
The project from community group Artistic Spectrum is aimed at socially isolated locals on the autistic spectrum. A steering group of participants shape the activities delivered.
What
Twice weekly arts and crafts sessions based around the theme ‘Our Town’.
Where
Thorne, Doncaster
When
2019-2021
The Our Town project from Artistic Spectrum has a huge range of contributors aged 16 to 64 with a massive range of artistic talents from sculpting to painting. Through creative activities, project participants build social connections, gained confidence and found pride in their talents.
Participants showcase their art nationally, one example is the gallery of ‘Famous Faces’ created using recycled materials. The work has been exhibited in London, Doncaster, Nottingham and Hull and will now be exhibited online on the project’s website.
Creating the Famous Faces collection provided an activity that all participants could get involved in. Whilst some participants enjoyed working directly with the artwork, others provided support by sorting the recycled materials into different colours. The collaborative aspect of the project helped people form social connections and build confidence.
For some of the members of Our Town the arts and crafts session is the main activity they attend on a weekly basis. Through attending this project, participants have become more independent and have gone on to volunteer and access more social activities within the community like meeting up and playing pool together.
For some participants who are non-verbal, the project provides a safe environment where they have the opportunity to express themselves and engage with other people but not through verbal communication.
