We want everyone in Lewisham to have a chance to take part in the arts. There are local organisations that have specific disability arts programmes and others that have inclusive activities.
Heart 'n Soul are a leading creative producing company working with learning disabled artists in music, theatre, dance, creating art, photography, media and film. They are piloting a new project for adults where they get the chance to take part in a variety of creative sessions.
Entelechy Arts are a participatory arts company working with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to produce high quality theatre, music, dance and video events and performances. They work with both adults and young people who have complex and multiple disabilities.
Age Exchange offer arts health and well being activities for over 60s as well as Hearts and Minds, a creative arts and reminiscence project for older and younger people with mental health needs.
Greenwich and Lewisham Young People’s Theatre Shout! Youth Theatre workshops are for 13 to 25 year olds with moderate learning difficulties. Young people with disabilities (up to 19 years) are welcome on all programmes with the aim of integration. A Summer Arts College has a course for young people of 13 to 19 years with moderate learning difficulties and disabilities.
Laban offer Dance Ability creative dance and play for disabled children 5 to 12 years and their peers. Also weekly sessions in collaboration with Trinity and Greenwich Toy Library for disabled young people 12 to 21 year olds leading to a performance.
Community Education Lewisham's Supported Learning team have a large and varied programme for people with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, sensory impairments or mental health difficulties. The Arts Lift project supports referred people experiencing depression, anxiety or stress.
Horniman Museum offer tutor-led handling sessions for groups with disabilities. There is free training for community leaders from disability groups and centres so that they can use the facilities. There are many inclusive family activities where children with disabilities are welcome and individual needs accommodated. Wheelchair access, some BSL interpreter events, Braille and large print on request, hearing loops, some integrated audio for exhibits.
Lewisham College's Supported Learning department meets the needs of those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities:
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Skills for Creative Arts course for adult learners 19+ focuses on art and fashion projects.
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Skills for Performing Arts course for school leavers 16 to 18 years offering the opportunity to study the performing arts.
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Transition programme for 21+ years adults with learning difficulties who want to learn new skills and become more independent.
Lewisham libraries stock tapes, large print books and talking books. All libraries have easy to use computers for people with disabilities and hearing loops. There is a BSL collection at Catford library. All libraries are wheelchair accessible. The Home Library Service provides free delivery service to all housebound people. There's 24 hour online access to search the catalogue, reserve and renew books, borrow ebooks and eAudiobooks.
Magpie Dance are an inclusive contemporary dance company with a national reputation for an exciting and inspiring approach to inclusive and creative dance.
Other arts providers make efforts to ensure that disabled users needs are met including disability awareness training and mixed ability classes. These include:
Students following arts academic courses are offered specialist support at bothLewisham College and Goldsmiths College.
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Arts Service
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Tel:
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020 8314 7730
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Email:
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arts.service@lewisham.gov.uk
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