Workshops

Overview

Scroll down for specific workshops on offer & booking

 

Anywhere in the world, we bring people together through active engagement in making, doing, looking at and talking about art, identity, and cultural heritage.

 

Based in the UK, we work both nationally and internationally – at Arts Lab or with you wherever you are. Our model has evolved from over 35 years working with diverse communities. Reaching across social and cultural barriers, we have a track record in positively impacting the marginalised, and those affected by or recovering from conflict or societal challenge.

 

OUR APPROACH

  • Artist-led, multidisciplinary and tailored specifically to your organisation’s needs.
  • Participants at centre of learning process.
  • Engagement with and sharing of visual cultures, identities and expressions of participants’ own communities.
  • Wide-ranging activities, working collaboratively in groups, and individually.
  • Non-judgemental and welcoming. No right or wrong, good or bad.

 

WHAT WE DO TOGETHER

Practice observation, broaden communication skills, and make art

It can take courage to pick up a paint brush, a pastel or a stick of charcoal. For most of us, the last time we created a picture was when we were children. For many, there was never the opportunity. None of this matters; we guide you through the process …..

  • Demonstrating observation and picture-making processes with live display of Sara’s unique artwork
  • Exploring and experimenting with a range of art materials, techniques and ideas
  • Drawing, painting, collage and 3D building
  • Visualisation and expression of workshop themes
  • Creating artwork to take away as a memory of positive, shared experience.

‘The thing about making this kind of art is that anyone can do it and it opens up so many possible ways of doing things.’

Arts Lab workshop participant

‘Sara creates an unexpected platform for collective thinking and art making in an environment, ordinarily passively experienced by visitors, that is highly stimulating. She provides an art format that is inviting and accessible but also deep and aesthetically captivating. Many people from different backgrounds participate, enthusiastic to share in a creative way what matters to them and learning from each other. 

Francesco, Venice Biennale 2024 Steward Manager, M+B Studio, Italy

OPTIONAL LOCATIONS

  • Pop-up creative making space with you wherever you are (max.30).
  • Whole/half-day at Arts Lab (max 10. Residentials for up to 6).

Creating art is central to the development of a good citizen.’

Josef Albers, Black Mountain College of Fine Arts & Progressive Learning

If you’re interested in or already working towards creativity and visual art being more integral to your organisation, we’d love a chat.

YOUR WORKSHOP LEADER

Sara Downham-Lotto (for more information, see Founder)

 

FOR DETAILS OF SPECIFIC WORKSHOPS,  SEE BELOW

Building Bridges

For marginalised groups, communities affected by trauma, peacebuilders and NGOs – helping to prevent, reduce or assist recovery from conflict

More Info

Visual Arts for Peace

For schools and universities – contributing to arts-based Peace Studies education and learning

More Info

Bringing out the Artist in Everyone

For individuals of all skill levels looking for something different, making art together, and building creative confidence

More Info

Transformative Awaydays & Team Building

For business and public sector groups – boosting creativity, morale, and productivity in the workplace

More Info