About us

We’ve been running arts and creative media learning projects in and around York since 1982. We believe that everyone can learn, everyone can be creative and everyone can play a part in their local community. They just need the right support, and that’s where we come in.

A lot of different people take part in our projects. From disabled adults and young people, to older people with dementia and memory loss and people with mental ill-health. We also work with schools, community groups and local businesses.

The people who take part in our sessions often face difficulty with everyday activities and can end up feeling isolated and cut off. Taking part in our projects helps them:

  • Learn new skills that they can transfer to other parts of their lives, including education, training and employment;
  • Explore and connect with the world around them, in a safe, supportive, fun environment;
  • Learn to work and communicate with other people, making new friends along the way;
  • Grow the confidence to have more of a say in the things that matter to them;
  • Contribute to their local community through workshops and performances;
  • Take control of their wellbeing;
  • Feel happy, connected and valued.​  

Our Total Communication approach makes sure that all participants are able to express their opinions and ideas and contribute to the ongoing development of our projects and activities.

Our work is centred around co-production - we level the playing field by providing everyone with the support and space they need to have an equal say. And we make sure everyone has a lot of fun along the way!

We're an accredited Living Wage Employer, because we believe that a hard day's work deserves a full day's pay. And we're registered with the Fundraising Regulator because we're committed to being open, honest and respectful when we're fundraising.

We want to see an inclusive society, where everyone gets the chance to shine. We’re helping to make that happen in York.