Workshops

Interested in our latest series of workshops in May and June?

Something’s Gotta Give: Creative Reset Awaydays – details & booking on Eventbrite

Overview

Our workshops bring people together through making, looking at, and talking about art. Creativity becomes a shared language — one that helps us explore who we are, how we relate to each other, and how we understand the world as global citizens.

In challenging times, art opens up space for reflection, connection, and imagining new ways forward — together.

Based in the UK, we run workshops at Arts Lab’s Rural Peace Hub or create pop-up creative spaces wherever you are.

Our approach is shaped by 35+ years of experience working with diverse communities across the UK and internationally. We work across cultural, educational, and social barriers, with a strong track record of supporting:

  • Local communities
  • Marginalised groups
  • People affected by conflict or societal challenges

 

OUR APPROACH

Think art isn’t for you? Think you’re “not creative”?
Perfect. You’re exactly who we’re here for.

We specialise in bringing out the artist in everyone.

    • Welcoming, inclusive, and judgement-free
    • No right or wrong — just exploration and observation
    • Participant-centred and tailored to your group’s needs
    • A balance of collaborative and individual creative work
    • Always artist-led, with inspiration from contemporary art, art history, other art forms, and peacebuilding practice 

 

WHAT WE DO TOGETHER

It takes courage to pick up a paintbrush, pastel, or charcoal. For many of us, the last time we made art was as children — and for some, the opportunity never came. None of that matters here.

We guide you step by step in a fun, accessible, and supportive way, including:

Live artist demonstrations
See how a professional artist observes, interprets, and creates in real time.

Hands-on exploration
Experiment with materials, techniques, and ideas through:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Collage
  • 3D construction

Culture & identity through art
Visualise and express personal stories, cultures, and perspectives.

Artwork to take home
Leave with a tangible reminder of a positive, shared creative experience.

HOW WORKSHOPS SUPPORT YOU

Our workshops help participants and organisations to:

  • Build confidence in communication
  • Develop collaboration and co-creation skills
  • Strengthen creative problem-solving and flexible thinking
  • Challenge preconceptions and understand different perspectives
  • Overcome resistance to change and foster a positive, can-do mindset
  • Discover the power of art as a tool for social change
  • Support emotional wellbeing

‘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 that is highly stimulating… inviting and accessible but also deep and aesthetically captivating.”

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

YOUR WORKSHOP LEADER

Sara Downham-Lotto
Artist, facilitator, and founder
www.saradownhamlotto.com

 

LOCATION & FORMATS

We offer flexible formats to suit your needs:

Pop-up Workshops
We bring a creative making space to you
Maximum group size: 30

Arts Lab – Rural Peace Hub (UK)
Workshops in a dedicated creative setting
Day workshops: up to 10 participants
Residentials: up to 6 participants

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

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

LET’S TALK

If you’re exploring ways to make creativity and visual art a more meaningful part of your organisation, we’d love to start a conversation.

Get in touch to design a workshop that fits your people, place, and purpose

 

FOR DETAILS OF SPECIFIC WORKSHOPS,  SEE BELOW

Building Bridges

For organisations, NGOs, and charities working with marginalised communities and people affected by conflict and trauma

More Info

Visual Arts for Peace

Workshops and short courses for schools, universities, and peace programmes using the arts to support Peace Studies and/ or peacebuilding

More Info

The Artist in Everyone

Relaxed, playful art-making workshops for adults who want to explore, experiment, and surprise themselves

More Info

Awaydays & Team Building

Creative workshops for business and public-sector organisations designed to boost morale, collaboration, and productivity

More Info