Through the project, called Autonomy: Connecting Communities, Sunderland Culture aims to bring together autistic people aged 16-25 around the collections, exhibitions and public programmes at National Glass Centre (NGC), Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens and Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA).
Funding for the 11-month project has come from the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) Connected Communities programme which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, through Arts Council England.
Experienced artist Beth Ross has been appointed facilitator for Autonomy, and Sunderland Culture is working with Sunderland College, Grace House and Education and Services for People with Autism (ESPA) to deliver the project.
Vicki Kennedy, Head of Learning and Engagement at Sunderland Culture, explained: “Research has shown that autistic people are at greater risk of isolation and loneliness than other people in our communities – they can find it difficult to socialise and mix with people and are among the most marginalised in our society.
“But, we believe young autistic adults should have the freedom and ability to enjoy creative and cultural opportunities, while being respected as individuals with unique needs and preferences.
“Our Autonomy project aims to give young adults and their parents or carers the opportunity to come together in social situations. We aim to establish a new programme of creative participatory activities for autistic people.
“Autonomy will comprise free taster sessions to build connections, summer engagement opportunities, and a new regular creative group that will meet at NGC.
“All of our activity will be tailored to respond to participants’ needs and interested and we want the programme to create a sense of pride and belonging to those in the project. Our sessions will be led by Beth and participatory artists trained in delivering activities for people with additional needs.”
An Autonomy Summer Social was held on Wednesday, August 28 at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. It was a free event for autistic people aged between 16 and 25 and their parents or carers (booking is essential).
Ahead of the event, Vicki explained: “Participants will get the chance to explore fascinating collections, take part in creative activities, and learn about Sunderland’s history. We’ll enjoy a tour, a family trail, current exhibitions and even create portraits in our Portrait Station. It’ll be a relaxed and friendly way to meet others and to experience this brilliant venue.”
For more information, or to book, go to https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/museum-autonomys-summer-social/
Another Autonomy Creative Connections took place on Thursday, September 12, this time at NGC This was a free, after-hours event, when the NGC was closed to the general public, and autistic people and their parents/carers got the chance to try out a range of activities, led by trained staff.
The activities included visual arts, drumming and digital animation as well as free pizza and refreshments provided.
For more informationL https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/glass-autonomys-summer-social/
If you are interested in hearing more about activities for young autistic adults and their carers, please contact: vicki.kennedy@sunderlandculture.org.uk
AIM was established in 1977 to address the needs of the growing independent museum sector, providing a network of mutual help and support that would share good practice and create a singular voice for hundreds of organisations.