Pyramid supports people with learning disabilities and autism to discover the arts, develop their creativity and grow as artists.
Our vision is that all people with learning disabilities and autism will have access to the right space, equipment, time and support to discover and explore the arts.
We offer a range of creative opportunities to support this, such as weekly art groups facilitated by professional artists, including a dedicated programme for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, one-to-one sessions and flexible, open studio time.
We run a programme of public exhibitions and events across Leeds every year which celebrates and showcases the work of artists with learning disabilities and autism.
Pyramid has been changing lives for over 35 years, growing from an art group that used to meet in the long since closed Meanwood Park Hospital in Leeds to a local organisation with national impact.
Last year, we delivered over 1,500 hours of creative workshops through project groups, studio sessions and individual artist support, resulting in many exhibitions across the region, including Leeds Art Gallery. We are in the middle of a national research project led by the University of Leeds, which is addressing inequalities faced by our artists using inclusive arts practice. We are unique in the service we offer. Without us, many artists with learning disabilities and autism in Yorkshire wouldn’t be able to create art while building the confidence and essential skills they need to work as creative practitioners.
What we do
Weekly Art Groups
We run three weekly art groups for people with learning disabilities and autism who may not have had experience of participatory arts before. We also run one weekly music group for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Groups are open to all abilities and people learn as they go, entirely at their own pace. We do projects, not ‘courses’ so there is no pressure to achieve a particular learning outcome. Our measure of success is someone’s level of enjoyment and engagement with the arts, not the work they produce.
Individual Artist Support
Our Individual Artist Support programme pairs one artist with a learning disability to work one-to-one working one-to-one with a professional artist. The format works well for people with a learning disability who have an interest or skill in a particular art form that they want to develop and for people with a learning disability who want to try creative activities but whose support needs are such that group work is not appropriate or possible for them.
Flexible Studio Time
Studio Pyramid offers open sessions for members who would like more time to work on their creative projects. Members have access to our fully equipped, accessible studio space to work on independent projects, receive peer support, professional development sessions and exhibition opportunities.
The Pyramid Plan (2024-2028)
Pyramid is making big art for big change in our city and in the world. Learn more about our ambitious plans for 2024-2028 in the Pyramid Plan.
Pyramid Plan 2024-28 [.pdf] This is a PDF with text, images and easy-read.
Pyramid Plan 2024-28 [.docx] This is a Microsoft Word document with plain text in a size 16 font.
Pyramid Plan 2024-28 [.pdf] This is a PDF document with plain text in a size 16 font.
Pyramid in the news
- Learning disabled artists in Leeds rally to protect their charity
Leeds-based arts organisation, Pyramid, launches crowdfunder with help from its members to secure its future amidst rising costs and funding cuts. For over 35 years, Pyramid has been supporting people with learning disabilities and autism to discover the arts and develop as artists. Growing from an art… Read more: Learning disabled artists in Leeds rally to protect their charity - Magical gallery takeover at Sunny Bank Mills celebrates the creativity of artists with learning disabilities and neurodivergence
Sunny Bank Mills has unveiled one of its most ambitious and joyful exhibitions yet. The Magic Show has taken over its Gallery in Farsley, Leeds until 27th September, bringing together disabled, neurodivergent and learning-disabled artists in a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration and… Read more: Magical gallery takeover at Sunny Bank Mills celebrates the creativity of artists with learning disabilities and neurodivergence - Putting Our View Front and Centre: Creating Pyramid View On… John Atkinson Grimshaw
Throughout 2025, Pyramid’s Visioning Group worked with Leeds Art Gallery to create Pyramid View On… John Atkinson Grimshaw, a collaborative artistic response to the work of John Atkinson Grimshaw. The Visioning Group is made up of seven artists with and without learning disabilities and autism. Four members of the group, James,… Read more: Putting Our View Front and Centre: Creating Pyramid View On… John Atkinson Grimshaw
