A Sense Scotland programme which will give access to arts activities for 150 children and young people with additional needs, has been awarded £29,671 from Creative Scotland’s Youth Arts Fund. 

The one-year ‘ARTiculate’ programme will kick off in April this year, opening up vital opportunities for creativity, expression and connection for those aged up to 25, at a time when human connections are missing. 

Arts sessions will be delivered virtually at first, progressing to face-to-face sessions in Sense Scotland’s TouchBase centres and other locations across Scotland in future if possible.

“Our arts team have gained skills and experience in recent months in delivering activities virtually,” said Sense Scotland’s Lead Artist David McCluskey. “We’ll continue to explore new technology and techniques to bring creative opportunities to individuals and groups where face-to-face work isn’t possible. 

“We’re delighted with the award and can’t wait to get started to support young people to share their joys, fears, interests and to tell their stories creatively.” 

Colin Bradie, Interim Head of Creative Learning at Creative Scotland, commented: “It is vital that creative opportunities are kept open and accessible to children and young people across the country as we continue to face the challenges of COVID-19. We are therefore delighted to be supporting Sense Scotland, who are an experienced and well-established organisation in providing quality artistic opportunities to children and young people with sensory and often complex support needs”

‘ARTiculate’ is entirely participant-led with visual arts, sensory storytelling, music, drama, dance, environmental art and digital creativity all on the menu. Young people will develop skills and can progress to performances or exhibitions or to taking on roles in production or editing, sharing their work with audiences and becoming part of a wider artistic community. 

The programme will also involve families and carers and provide opportunities for trainees. Under the direction of Sense Scotland’s Arts Department, trainees will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to plan and facilitate a range of activities.