Family Sensory Art Workshops

From January to May this year GOSH Arts piloted a new programme of Sensory Art Workshops for families with a special focus on children and young people with SEND.

These workshops were developed in partnership with ActionSpace, a charity that support the artistic practice of adults with learning disability and Autograph Gallery who supported us in bringing their Family SEND Programme model into the hospital.

ActionSpace artist Ophir Yaron and GOSH Arts Resident Artist Amy Leung collaboratively developed and delivered an exciting range of creative and immersive workshops in the hospitals’ public spaces every month.

Families enjoyed specially designed activities that explored different themes and artforms, designed to accommodate a wide range of needs and interests. The workshops took inspiration from ideas of child-led creative play, material exploration and sensory experiences. These free-flowing activities gave children and their families the freedom to engage with materials in a way that followed their own interests and abilities, building confidence, easing anxiety and improving wellbeing.

Feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive and we intend to continue with a programme of accessible arts, working with artists who have lived experience of learning disability and can represent the diversity of GOSH patients.

• "For our son who has a range of learning disabilities it’s great to see others involved and leading activities too."
• "It was probably the first time my son had met and interacted with an adult with a learning disability – it was great and should be the norm."
• "It can help kids with disabilities to feel included and valued members of the society."

Amy Leung is a London based artist working across sculpture, drawing and workshops to articulate and communicate joy. Working in art education, she is interested in the points where community, craft, objects and cultural identity meet. Materials and play work are key to her practice, with ideas emerging through making together. Senses and bodies mingle with materials; delighting in the responsive nature of stuff and spaces.

Ophir Yaron is a resident artist at ActionSpace’s supported studios, based in London. She is an artist, educator, dancer and performer with over 10 years of experience supporting and delivering arts and performance workshops. She has worked with the Royal Academy, Condoco Dance Company, All Change and Chicken Shed Theatre amongst others. Recent exhibitions include Express Collaborations at Project Ability Gallery and the Shape Open at the Nunnery Gallery.