Reflecting on the ArtWorks Alliance Gathering – Crossing Boundaries in Participatory Arts

Exploring Cross-Art Form Collaborations

ArtWorks Alliance was delighted to bring together a diverse group of participants for the recent ArtWorks Alliance gathering earlier today. Focused on the theme of Crossing Boundaries, this session explored how cross-art form collaboration, particularly in participatory arts, can create meaningful, inclusive, and impactful practices for artists and communities alike. The discussions and activities sparked plenty of reflection, and we’re excited to share the key insights from this rich session. (This is a quick AI-generated summary, hopefully it’s reasonably accurate, but do let us know so we can improve the final summary – RW).

Cross-Art Form Practice at the Core

The workshop centred around how different art forms—music, theatre, visual arts, and movement—intersect to enhance participatory arts. Facilitators emphasised the importance of using multiple art forms to create more accessible and engaging projects, allowing participants from all backgrounds and abilities to find modes of expression that suit them.

Inclusivity and Total Communication

A particularly poignant part of the discussion was around “Total Communication”—the idea that all forms of communication, whether verbal, non-verbal, visual, or sensory, should be valued equally. This concept is essential in working with individuals who have learning disabilities or sensory impairments. The workshop highlighted how multi-sensory approaches allow everyone to participate fully, regardless of their verbal or written abilities.

A Multi-Sensory Journey

Facilitator Sue Caudle of DIY Theatre shared a fascinating case study about their current project Hanging by a Thread, a performance with environmental themes designed for participants with sensory impairments. This project illustrated how using touch, sound, movement, and other sensory experiences can engage participants more deeply and allow them to express themselves in ways that transcend traditional communication methods.

Collaborative Creation, not Prescription

One of the standout messages was how far the practice of co-creation has come. Instead of traditional top-down approaches, where specialists deliver specific aspects of a project, participants are now more directly involved in the creative process from start to finish. For instance, musicians and theatre practitioners work together throughout the entire process, ensuring that the music is not simply an add-on, but integral to the creative experience.

Challenges and Opportunities

Of course, collaboration across multiple art forms can bring challenges. Facilitator Sarah Atter reflected on the slower, more iterative process involved in cross-art form work. She described how participants often need more time and flexibility to explore and experiment. While this can be frustrating at times, it also leads to deeper engagement and a stronger sense of ownership among participants.

Training Gaps

Another critical issue raised during the workshop was the lack of adequate training for artists working in inclusive settings. DIY Theatre’s training programme with youth musicians was highlighted as a model to develop the necessary skills for those working with diverse participants. This example underscored the need for more structured support for practitioners to confidently navigate cross-art form and participatory settings.

The Role of Technology

In a world where remote participation is increasingly common, the session explored the role of digital tools in cross-art form practice. The experiment of using Zoom for remote music facilitation proved insightful, showing how technology can offer flexibility for facilitators while still providing participants with the full experience.

Reflective Practice

The interactive format of the session encouraged everyone to take part in breakout rooms, where participants experimented with cross-art form collaboration using all five senses. The lively discussion highlighted the power of reflective practice in understanding how these techniques could be applied in different settings.

Case Studies

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ruthie Collins, Conrad Molleson, and John Whall for sharing their invaluable expertise and experiences in working on multi-sensory projects. Their insights into the integration of various art forms and the application of reflective practices have enriched our understanding and inspired new approaches to participatory arts.

• Ruthie Collins – A writer and arts practitioner specialising in socially engaged and participatory arts, known for making the arts inclusive and accessible.
• Conrad Molleson – An Edinburgh-based artist and educator who integrates music with moving images to create engaging and playful experiences.
• John Whall – Participation and Outreach Lead at MBD, with expertise in leveraging VR, 3D animation, and digital skills for participatory artwork creation.

Looking Ahead

We were thrilled with the energy and ideas that emerged from this gathering. From deepening our understanding of multi-sensory approaches to exploring how cross-art form collaborations can break down barriers, this event demonstrated the value of shared practice in participatory arts.

If you’re eager to continue the conversation, remember that ArtWorks Alliance is active on social media (Twitter, Instagram, and Blue Sky) and is always looking to bring together practitioners passionate about the future of participatory arts.

Join ArtWorks Alliance and contribute to our future events, discussions and access our resources.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to our wonderful facilitators from DIY Theatre and across the Arts Works Alliance. We look forward to future gatherings and further exploration of how we can create more inclusive, vibrant, and transformative art together.

Stay connected and keep creating!