Led by artist Bill Leslie, you will take the phrase ‘Pease do not touch’ as a starting point for the day to develop strategies of encounter which explore the desire to touch art objects. How close can we get to the artworks without touching? How can we harness the desire and excitement of getting close to discover new ways of engaging with artworks in the gallery and the classroom?  For educators, artists and teachers working with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), students from Pupil Referral Units (PRU) and students with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) within the gallery context. The session will:
- Creatively challenges preconceptions about the nature and potential of engagement in art by young people with special educational needs
- Supports you to consider how art can impact on classroom practice and promote imaginative and creative possibilities for young people
- Working in a physical, intuitive and experiential you will have the opportunity to make and talk alongside the art work with colleagues working with young people with SEND in a variety of settings
It has given me a new perspective and has encouraged me to use more open explorative exercises with SEND students when introducing them to art.
Art and SEND participant 2015
Supported by the Lord Leonard and Lady Estelle Wolfson Foundation