Event in Cumbria to showcase inclusive arts in higher education

A Carlisle-based disability arts organisation, Prism Art, have teamed up with the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Arts to deliver a symposium to showcase inclusive arts in higher education. The event will be held on Tuesday 5th July with active sharing, workshops and presentations demonstrating how learning disabled and autistic artists can access learning opportunities and develop as artists in higher education settings.

As part of the day representatives from the partnership will share the findings of ‘Step Up Step Forward’ a two-year progression project, funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which tested routes for learning disabled and autistic artists to develop and produce their own work.

Dr Colette Conroy, director of Institute of Arts at University of Cumbria, said:
"The Step Up Step Forward programme has been an enriching experience for all of us, especially the lecturers and students who have worked alongside Prism Arts over the last two years. It has brought a new element to our on-campus provision, and we will celebrate this when we welcome visitors to the symposium. We look forward to an active day of knowledge sharing, with workshops and presentations to demonstrate how learning disabled and autistic artists can access learning opportunities and develop as artists in a higher education setting, making a vibrant and exciting contribution.”