That’s What Friends Are For! Beyond The Art

At Artbox London, we work with artists with learning disabilities and autism by providing access to the arts. We offer various opportunities like fun museum trips and workshops, where artists can develop their artistic skills, as well as interpersonal skills.

Founded in 2011, we have had many successes to name a few but one of the things we are most proud about is the great friendships that have been formed amongst the artists. Take Mathew for example. Mathew has Cerebral Palsy and is a regular attendee of our Saturday sessions. Due to limited mobility, Matthew is unable to leave the house very often, which is deeply frustrating for both Mathew and his mother. Since joining Artbox London, Matthew has not only created and sold a number of pieces but he has also made new friends with both people with and without learning disabilities. Have a read of his story below:

“Until I could come to Artbox, I felt very low but this picks me up on the weekend. I have many friends in Artbox and it makes me feel good. It is a very inclusive environment of volunteers and artists. I am the only wheelchair (user) but I don’t see myself different as I am with other disabled people. We are all together. Volunteers give me inspiration. I am close to Diana (staff), we are friends, we talk about things, life, I tell her about my life. I have seen her outside Artbox, and she came around my house a couple of times.”

Matthew is one of many artists who has grown both creatively and emotionally since joining the studio. If you know someone who has a passion for the arts and would like to take their talents to the next level, get in touch by filling out the form below!