Arts Pioneers:
Khadija & Sima

Khadija, 14, and her mother Sima first attended Arts Pioneers a year ago and say it has been a “life saver”. Khadija is autistic and is homeschooled, meaning Sima was looking for groups where Khadija could socialise with other children.

Sima said: “I was desperate to put her in a group that matched her ability. We went through so many groups.”

From cooking to swimming, Khadija found many of these experiences upsetting. Sima feels a lack of understanding in participants’ needs was reflected in the sessions. In particular, one sports activity consisting of repetitive ball throwing in a nosy and echoey environment was particularly distressing.

In Arts Pioneers, the group explores a different theme each month, working with professional artists to develop their art skills and express their creativity. The sessions’ themes are tailored to follow the interests of the participants. 

“I was shocked at the mixed abilities in the group. As she started cutting and gluing, I saw a different side of her.” 

This month we are thinking about the spaces around us and how they make us feel. Participants are invited to wander through the Museum Garden and take inspiration from the weather, trees and plants, before creating a collage and tin foil sculpture. 

Khadija is completely absorbed in her collage, snipping at bits of paper with great energy.

Khadija, who didn’t speak at all at first, has become more vocal throughout the year, recognises the other participants and welcomes them by name. Sima says she woke up early this morning, excited to see her friends.

She has a special relationship with programme leader Marie Kennedy, Learning Associate: Young People (pictured), who has pioneered the diverse provision for children with SEND across the University of Cambridge Museums, as well as artist Kaitlin Ferguson.

“Each staff member knows her really well. They adjust to everyone’s abilities. She is around adults who will comfort her and support her, so I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Khadija comes back from lunch early, determined to finish her creation.

Whereas other programmes, such as our Disability Friendly Openings for Families, are designed for children with SEND to enjoy with their siblings, parents or carers, the Arts Pioneers sessions aim to promote independence. They provide crucial respite for families and this two and a half hour session may be the only time they have for themselves.

For Sima, working closely with Marie, the ultimate goal is for her to leave Khadija to enjoy the session independently. She has never left her daughter before, but says this is the only place she would consider it.

Arts Pioneers is funded by Arts Council England and Cambridge City Council. Long-term backing is essential for the trust and relationship building necessary to make a programme like this successful and meaningful. Artist Kaitlin highlights schemes coming to a sudden end can be very disruptive for participants.

Towards the end of the session at 1pm, the artworks are pinned up on the wall and participants are encouraged to take pride in their creations, which the staff certainly do, taking photographs and sharing words of pride and encouragement.

The group is working towards an Arts Award, but no one is forced to produce a particular output and therefore the group’s artwork is beautifully varied and creative. There are prints, a woodland scene with animals, and designs for costumes for a ballet.

The session ends with the chance for participants to feedback on how they feel by slotting a token into a bright yellow box of varying facial expressions.

For Sima and Khadija, the only downside is that the sessions are only once a month.

“If Art Pioneers was not available, you would be taking away my hope for my child’s future. It’s a lifeline that I really need.

“It’s been the best thing ever, the best thing we could’ve chosen for her.”