The Arts Lab
At The Arts Lab, creativity isn’t just encouraged—it’s a way to connect, express, and belong. Run by Inclusive Arts Collective, this project was born from a simple yet urgent need: a space where neurodivergent children can be themselves, free from judgment.Too often, ND kids face misunderstanding, isolation, or even bullying in mainstream schools. At The Arts Lab, we create a community where ND children connect with ND artists—people who truly understand what it’s like to grow up feeling out of place. At the same time, we provide a space of support for parents, fostering understanding and shared experiences.Here, art becomes a tool for self-expression, confidence, and connection. With guidance from our facilitators, children explore new ways to express emotions, take pride in their identities, and create work that reflects their unique perspectives.Designed for children aged 10-14, our workshops span six art clubs, each offering a different way to experiment, play, and create. Sessions take place across three spaces in Good Shepherd Studios, as well as a community art gallery where participants will have the opportunity to exhibit their work.
How The Sessions Will Work
At The Arts Lab, we tailor our sessions to suit each participant’s preferences and personality. Some children may be more drawn to movement-based activities, while others may prefer hands-on creative work. To ensure everyone feels comfortable and engaged, we divide participants into three groups based on their interests.Each session follows this structure:
1. Exploration Workshop (60 minutes) – Participants engage in a variety of creative activities, similar to those in From Stimming to Dance. This allows them to explore different forms of expression before diving into their chosen club.
2. Break – A short pause to rest and reset.
3. Club Session (60 minutes) – Participants join the club they’ve chosen for the week, working closely with an artist mentor for more focused, in-depth exploration.• Drawing and Painting
• Stop Motion
• Journaling and wellness
• Movement and dance
• Drama and music
• Podcast and video creation for YouTube.To ensure variety and balance, we rotate the clubs:
• Week 1: Three of the six clubs run.
• Week 2: The remaining three clubs take place.This means that each club is held every two weeks, giving participants the opportunity to explore multiple creative disciplines while still having consistency and continuity in their learning.With the guidance of experienced artist mentors, each child receives personalized support, fostering confidence, self-expression, and artistic growth in a way that suits their individual needs.
Drawing and Painting
A space for young artists to express themselves through visual storytelling and illustration. Activities include:
• Drawing on paper – Experimenting with different techniques and styles
• Painting on canvas – Exploring colors and textures
• Comic creation – Developing characters, storylines, and panels
• Storytelling through art – Using images to tell meaningful stories
• Zine-making – Designing and producing small booklets
Stop Motion
Bringing ideas to life through movement and technology. Activities include:
• Video creation – Learning the basics of filmmaking and storytelling
• 2D animation – Creating animations using drawings and digital tools
• Photography – Exploring creative composition and visual storytelling
• 3D animation – Experimenting with clay, models, lego, etc.
• Storytelling – Writing and planning animated projects.
Journaling & Well-being
A reflective space to express emotions, build self-awareness, and develop creative confidence. Activities include:
• Photo diary – Capturing moments and emotions through images
• Crafting – Hands-on activities to enhance creativity and relaxation
• About Me – Exploring identity and personal storytelling
• Well-being diary – Using writing and art to process emotions
• Creative writing – Expressing thoughts and stories through words
Movement & Dance
A space to explore body expression and storytelling through movement. Activities include:
• Musical choreography – Dancing to rhythms and creating routines
• Free dance – Encouraging spontaneous, unstructured movement
• Outdoor action – Using nature as a creative space for movement
• Drawing + sounds – Combining visual art with movement and sound exploration
Drama & Music
A creative playground for performing arts, music, and storytelling. Activities include:
• Writing – Developing scripts, poems, and creative small pieces
• Musical instruments – Exploring sounds, rhythm, and melodies
• Singing – Building confidence through vocal expression
• Reenacting favorite musicals – Bringing beloved scenes to life through performance
Podcast & YouTube Video Creation
A club for young storytellers to develop their voices and creative media skills. Activities include:
• Voice recording – Exploring speech, narration, and sound effects
• Podcast production – Creating and editing audio content
• Scenography – Designing sets and backgrounds for visual storytelling
• Video recording – Learning filming and content creation for YouTube
The Team
The Arts Lab team is made up of professionals committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent children and their families. Our team includes Arts Mentors, who are experienced neurodivergent artists who guide participants through creative exploration and self-expression. The Wellness Team provides emotional and sensory support, ensuring a safe and nurturing space for all. In addition, our Support Team assists with accessibility, logistics and engagement, ensuring that all participants feel valued and included.
Workshops & Community Support
We also provide a dedicated space for parents, fostering a community of over 60 families who can connect, share experiences, and find support.
The project culminates in public exhibitions at No. 1 Church Lane, showcasing participants' work and highlighting the artistic voices of ND young people.
Through The Arts Lab, we’re not just providing art workshops—we’re building confidence, connection, and creative expression for ND children and their families.
The Venue
Our workshops will take place at Good Shepherd Studios, where we will have access to two dedicated spaces: the Annex Room and the Auditorium, providing ample room for creative activities and movement-based sessions. Parents will have the opportunity to connect and socialise in the onsite café while waiting, building a strong community network.Additionally, we will use a large room in the Snaresbrook Art Project building, located within the same complex, as well as the spacious garden and field, offering opportunities for outdoor activities.For the final exhibition, we will showcase participants' work at No. 1 Church Lane Community Gallery, a short walk from the workshop venue. This will provide a dedicated public space to celebrate the creativity and achievements of neurodivergent children, increasing visibility and community engagement.
Previous Workshops
Over the past months, we have hosted a series of workshops for neurodivergent children as part of From Stimming to Dance. Working with two age groups—6 to 8 and 9 to 13—we have focused on artistic self-expression, sensory experiences, drawing, movement, and more. These sessions have provided a creative and supportive space for children to explore and express themselves through various artistic forms.