Community and access

Our programme of creative workshops, talks and tours for individuals and communities with additional access needs

About the programme

Our community and access programme is designed to connect first-time visitors to the Gallery and support those looking for additional adjustments to their visit.

Our aim is to learn together, enabling everyone to develop new skills, meet others, have fun, and thrive.

Through our creative workshops and events we look to connect individuals and communities with artists, ideas and paintings, and build lasting relationships with our communities and visitors.

Book a workshop or event

Who is it for?

Our free programme is available to community and access groups that consist of, or work with, people who need additional support in order to visit and access the National Gallery.

We specialise in working with:

Older adults who may be socially isolated
People who have lived experience of dementia
People experiencing mental health issues and mental health service users
Neurodiverse adults and those on the autistic spectrum
First-time visits from local community groups.

If you are planning a visit for primary and secondary schools, please book here.

For more information about accessibility and onsite facilities, please see our Access page.

What we offer

Working with a Gallery Artist or Educator, we offer the following workshops and events tailored to support your groups’ needs and interests in a relaxed and sociable environment:

Creative and practical artist-led workshops

Inspired by our collection or current exhibitions, these workshops are individually designed to support either first-time visitors or more advanced groups to explore their art making.

Working with an Artist Educator, you will be supported in creating your own artworks in response to the works you've seen and discussed.

Tours and discussions of the Gallery and collection

These tours and discussions are for groups interested in finding out more about European painting, whether you have visited the Gallery before or not.

Painting choices and themes are tailored to the interests and level of engagement of the group. Led by one of our Gallery Educators, these sessions are discursive and encourage conversation within the group.

Sensory guided sessions for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities

Designed for groups working with adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) these supported sessions are multi-sensory and lively.

Sessions are bespoke to individual needs in the group and incorporate art-making, music and movement drawing inspiration from one painting of your choice in the collection.

Storytelling

Through the power of storytelling enjoy hearing the hidden myths and tales behind our paintings. Sessions are created and led by professional storytellers to fit the needs and interest of your group.

Slow looking

Guided by an artist educator, explore how simple exercises in slow looking and mark making, this session will increase your awareness and wake up your creativity.

How it works

All of our workshops and events are currently being delivered online.

Workshops and events can be booked Monday to Friday and last between 45 minutes to an hour and a half. We will aim to find a time that suits your group (please specify this via the booking form).

To help make sure that we can support everyone to enjoy and engage in the event we recommend groups are no larger than 15 people.

Book a workshop or event

Complete the form to book onto one of our access and community workshops and events

Book now