What we do

Pyramid works with people with learning disabilities and autism in groups and one-to-one to discover, explore and enjoy the arts and to develop as artists to the full extent of their abilities and ambitions. We work with people with all levels of ability and have specialised sessions for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

At Pyramid, art means all art forms: painting, drawing, music, dance, theatre, film, photography, sculpture – anything our members want to try! Activities are run by a group of highly experienced freelance
artists with collective expertise in all art forms. Pyramid groups are social. They are fun and members often stay for many years, forming long-term friendships, showing improved social skills, self-confidence and good mental health.

If our members want to become practising artists in their own right, we can support them with personal tuition in their chosen artform and in their professional development, for example, applying for arts funding, putting on solo exhibitions and sharing and selling their work online.

The creative work of both our groups and individual artists is shared publicly via our programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year, in high profile venues such as The Tetley, Northern Ballet and
Interplay Theatre.

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Ways to join Pyramid

Pyramid Groups

Our groups are open to all abilities. People learn as they go, entirely at their own pace. Discover groups are great for people who want to explore the arts. Our groups meet for 38 weeks per year, completing three projects.

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Development Teams

Our Development Teams pairs an artist with a learning disability and autism with a professional artist. This is great for people who are new to art but may need more support than a group setting or want to develop their creative practice further.

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Flexible Studio Time

Our flexible studio time is for people with learning disabilities and autism who would like to work on their creative projects independently in our fully equipped, accessible studio with the support of our studio facilitator.

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Pyramid Groups

Discover Groups

Discover groups are open to people who may not have had any experience of participatory arts before. We don’t expect any prior knowledge and people learn as they go, entirely at their own pace. We do projects, not ‘courses’; there is no pressure to achieve a
particular learning outcome and our measure of success is someone’s
level of enjoyment and engagement with the arts, not the work that
they produce

Our Discover programme is for people with mild-moderate learning disabilities. Each group meets for 38 weeks per year, completing three projects over three terms. Every project is led by a professional freelance Artist Facilitator with expertise in the chosen artform (e.g. sculptor, dancer, film-maker) and a Pyramid Core Worker, who has been trained by us in inclusive arts practice. The Core Worker makes sure every member is able to participate in sessions to the fullest of their ability. Groups are further supported
by a team of trained arts volunteers.

In addition to coming to sessions at Pyramid, we arrange visits and exchanges with other cultural venues and organisations, both locally and further afield. There are many opportunities to engage with arts and culture in a supported and accessible way.

Cost: £1,300 per term

Current Groups

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Development Teams

One-to-One Work

Development Teams (or “D-Teams”) involve one artist with a learning disability 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.

The type and length of sessions are entirely tailored to the wants and needs of the individual and vary from one or two hours a week at home, to two or three full days a week at Pyramid. Using the D-Team format, members can work to develop their creative practice to the fullest extent of their abilities and their aspirations. This might include:

-Developing a website or artist portfolio

-Working with a professional artist to practice and develop a particular skill

-Taking part in exhibitions or performances as a solo artist

-Writing arts funding applications for project money or commissions

Cost: £60 per hour

Meet some of our Development Team artists

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Flexible Studio Time

Studio Pyramid

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.

Studio Pyramid currently runs on Wednesdays 10am to 2pm.

Cost: £25 per hour

Studio Stories

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Book your free trial

We offer a free trial for all our programmes to make sure it’s the right fit. Get in touch with us today to book a time to visit the studio and meet our Creative Programme Coordinator. We’ll discuss your needs to find which programme is right.

If you have any questions or would like to book your free trial, contact us on 0113 234 6040 or email us at info@pyramid.org.uk.

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