VI Arts Engagement Programme

Arts workshops for visually impaired people in Suffolk

Our VI Arts Engagement Programme provided specialist access enabling adults and young people living with visual impairment in Suffolk to experience a range of cultural activities such as drama, music and crafting.

The programme included weekly drama workshops with High Spirits, our VI theatre company based in Ipswich. Find out more about this here.

In addition, we worked in partnership with local charity Suffolk Sight to deliver arts activities and cultural experiences for members of their 16 social clubs, situated across the county. Participants told us:

“The activities took me out of my comfort zone and I found that I really enjoyed them. My mental health has improved no end.”

“I’ve never done drama before, and now I love it!”

“We had a fantastic session this afternoon. Everybody enjoyed getting in touch with their creative self…”

“It really jump starts my imagination.”

“Working with clay is very therapeutic. It takes you out of yourself. I’ve got a lot going on at home and it’s been nice not to think about it.”

workshop participants

Below are 3 images of clay sculpting work created at an art workshop led by Lulu Horsfield. Attendees of the session, members of Suffolk Sight’s Mildenhall club, made an array of clay flowers and animals using weaving patterns and texture tools.

Image 1 shows a collection of clay flowers, a bowl with a braided edge and the head of a white turtle with orange eyes.

Image 2 is the view from above of a workshop participant’s hands – across their right palm is a delicate white clay lizard, their left is pointing at a small clay pot filled with colourful clay flowers.

Image 3 is a close up of a hand holding a bright orange sculpted clay flower with pink stamens.

1. A collection of objects sculpted in white clay with orange and lilac detail are photographed from above lying on a black background. A decorative bowl with plaited edging, two flowers, another bowl with spotted edge and tiny turtle with orange eyes.
2. A person's hands photographed from above, the right is holding a white clay lizard, the left is pointing at a tiny white vase sculpted in white clay, sat on the table in front. In the vase is a collection of orange and lilac sculpted flowers.
4. A close up of a hand holding a beautiful bright orange flower with lilac stamen, sculpted in modelling clay.

Another image below shows drama director Emma Bernard leading a drama workshop with the Suffolk Sight Juniors group in Stowmarket. Emma stands smiling in a circle of children and adults. She is clapping her hands as people around her respond, some also clapping and smiling.

A woman with short brown-grey hair in a white shirt and black trousers stands in the centre of a group of a community space with white walls and a wooden floor. She is holding her hands in front of her, clapping. Around her is a circle of chairs, in front of each is a young person or adult who are watching and listening to her intently. Through a large window a garden scene can be seen behind them.

Our VI Arts Programme was made possible by:

Suffolk County Council’s Culture Fund

East Suffolk Council Enabling Communities Budget

The National Lottery Community Lottery Fund

Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery

Arts & Culture and David & Jill Simpson grant making programmes through Suffolk Community Foundation.

We are grateful for the support of Suffolk Sight, the New Wolsey Theatre, DanceEast and The Key Cafe, Ipswich.