Introduction
Being creative is a way to express yourself in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Find out how to be creative in different ways below. You can also find accessible events which contain art and craft activities in our events calendar.
Music
Sound Foundation Somerset (SFS) is wholeheartedly committed to make sure that each and every child and young person regardless of background and circumstance is able to:
- Access and participate fully in our lessons and activities;
- Make progress along their own individual musical journeys;
- Have meaningful and positive experiences of the highest quality.
Sound Foundation Somerset provides a wide range of musical tuition and activities all of which are inclusive and cover mainstream schools, special schools, and alternative provision (AP) There is also activity which is specifically targeted at young people who are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training), for Young Carers as well as those within Autistic Resource Bases (ASD). You can find opportunities by searching Hear it Sing it Play it.
There is funding and bursary support available; for example, Take It Away provides interest free loans for the purchase of musical instruments and equipment. Drake Music commissions emerging deaf and disabled artists and training for inclusive professionals.
The Amber Trust also provides free to access resources and ideas to engage children and young people with vision impairment with music.
Art
Art is for everyone of any age and ability. You can do art using lots of different mediums (material the art is made from). Have a look at Disability Arts Online to see different examples.
You can explore art within your home. For example, YouTube has lots of activities you can try.
The RNIB also has information and tips for exploring creative activities with sight loss. And Living Paintings talk about how to explore art galleries with a visual impairment.
UK Mouth and Foot Painting Artists have a ‘learn to paint’ video series. For anyone wanting to paint without using their hands.
Digital art
Digital art is one of the easiest ways to get started with art creation. You use a computer, tablet or phone. It is a very forgiving medium, with the ‘undo’ function easy to correct mistakes.
Krita is free software for both android tablets and PC. An open-source art program that contains all the functionality that a beginner artist might need.
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software tool set used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D-printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, and virtual reality.
Pottery
The video below of supported employees at the Banwell Pottery studio describes some of the steps involved in pottery.
You can explore clay in your own home using kits from organisations such as Creative Clay for All.
Film and Photography
The Engine Room is an accessible community media centre. Sessions for young people with autism have previously been run. They welcome and encourage applications to the BFI Film Academy from people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups. There is a desire to prioritise people under-represented in the film industry workforce. Bursaries are available for travel and other expenses such as care or support costs.
Children’s World have a high-quality video camera and excellent editing software that allows creating great films with children of all ages and abilities. Workshops are often run for children with special needs exploring drama, music, and video.
There is a list of equipment that can help adapt your photography equipment to work with your needs on the Disabled Photographers’ Society – Adaptations page.