The arts exist as a universal language that functions not only for entertainment and appreciation but also for increasing our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
The arts fulfil our basic human need for creative self-expression. The process of creating allows us to explore our questions of identity and understanding the significance of participation in the visual and performance arts for their productive and communicative purposes. Not only do they provide a system of communication and expression, but they also produce something tangible, which can bring a sense of wellbeing, accomplishment, engagement and creative expression.
Seeking Talent addresses this by:
- creating opportunities for SEND community in the arts, through workshops, readings, and events
- creating, developing, and producing work accessible to special needs, deaf, and disabled audiences
- creating opportunities for artists & poets to be published.
Accessible platforms
Situated in the borough of Lambeth, Seeking Talent is designed to be a more accessible and direct platform for individuals to demonstrate their talents and skills, allowing them to narrate their stories authentically.
A critical component of the initiative is fostering dialogue within the SEND community, prompting audiences to introspect and critically assess their own views on disability.
Performance poetry and visiual art as a medium has the potential to connect with audiences on an emotional level, and through this connection it touches hearts and mind, offering a way of engaging with audiences to challenge assumptions and initiate social change.
Reaching the community
Community engagement is central to our strategy. It encompasses various methods:
- We have contacted Lambeth Council’s Adult Social Care and Health services provide a range of support for adults with various needs, including those with learning disabilities and other disabilities and who have a dedicated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities team for specific information and support. Additionally, Lambeth’s strategy and local offer include targeted support for all vulnerable learners in schools, covering various needs such as neurodiversity, speech, language, and communication needs.
- Research and communication of daily experiences concerning disability and neurodiversity.
- Examination of identity, stereotypes, and representation issues.
- Collective questioning and challenging of the predominant negative societal attitudes toward SEND, using poetry and art as conduits for this endeavour.
- Provision of poetry workshops that serve to not only empower participants by enhancing their skills but also by providing them with the means to articulate their narratives.
Transforming society
Seeking Talent recognises the significance of utilising creativity as a potent instrument for societal transformation. By leveraging a diverse array of communication channels, we aim to amplify these unique voices, inspiring community involvement, and nurturing an environment of empowerment and representation.
We are developing a comprehensive outreach strategy designed to encompass diverse networks, media, podcasts, PR, social media, and local to regional media coverage, all employed to ensure a broad impact and to encourage participatory discussions on disability narratives.