What We Do
The Artventure Trust is a creative day centre for adults with learning disabilities, physical impairments and autism. Founded in 1984, the charity was set up to allow vulnerable people to explore the visual arts in a safe and secure environment.
Artworkers and volunteers, often practising artists themselves, help participants develop both creative and social skills. All areas of the visual arts are explored including painting, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media and photography. The positive and supportive atmosphere encourages self-confidence and independence.
Life At Artventure
Every session at Artventure produces work of tremendous value. There is often artwork of genuine artistic quality, but the true value is to be found in the fun, enjoyment and satisfaction our participants derive from their day.
Our Objectives
- To encourage creative expression by allowing each participant, regardless of their level of ability, the opportunity to work on their chosen projects, at their own pace, with whatever support they need.
- To facilitate the development of personal and social skills and provide a safe environment in which involvement in the visual arts is instrumental in building participants’ self-confidence and self-reliance.
- To encourage participants to value and share their achievements and hence to enhance their sense of self-worth.
- To promote public acceptance and understanding of learning disability and combat social exclusion through working in partnership with the local community, schools, other charities and faith organisations, art societies etc. and by presenting exhibitions of our participants’ artworks.
- To provide rewarding volunteering and work-experience opportunities to students and members of the local community.
Our Aims
Artventure aims to alleviate the social exclusion and isolation suffered by adults with moderate to severe learning disabilities through the provision of supported visual arts sessions, delivered in a dedicated, secure and friendly studio environment by a team of experienced and caring artworkers.
Working in small groups and giving one to one attention where necessary, our activities are designed to improve self expression, develop potential and encourage a greater awareness of self worth coupled with a real sense of achievement.
Many of our participants live in sheltered accommodation. Coming to Artventure they can meet and make new friends. Their carers and parents can have much needed respite knowing they are being well looked after.
Although our work is aimed at developing social, personal, and practical skills, the overriding target is for our clients to enjoy themselves… and they genuinely do!
Our Work
Working alongside practising artists and those with a variety of skills and experience, we combine to give a fun and flexible approach to the creative process.
Our sessions include painting, drawing, sculpture, printing, pottery, music, craft work, computer aided design, ceramics, modelling and photography.
Experimentation with a wide spectrum of materials is encouraged to produce unusual and exciting works of art.
Participants create work of real value, some of which is actually sold. However, the true value lies in the enjoyment and satisfaction they derive from their time with us.
When and Where
Artventure is based in our own modular building, located within the grounds of St Peter’s School in Guildford.
Artventure
Sessions take place every weekday during school term time from 9.30am to 2.30pm. We also take part in numerous events and exhibitions throughout the year.
We offer a free taster session for new participants so they can experience how we work and what they can expect from us. To arrange a visit or attend a taster session, just give us a call.
Accessibility
Our centre has disabled access and facilities to make all our participants as comfortable as possible.
Fully wheelchair accessible
Carers are welcome to accompany participants
