Common Ground 2025: An Exhibition by Birmingham SEN Schools

Free, drop in | Theatre

Common Ground is a unique, collaborative arts project bringing together professional artists and students from seven Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools across Birmingham. Over twelve weeks, each artist has worked closely with a different school to explore creativity, communication, and play through various expressive mediums – from collage and dance to storytelling, sculpture and more.

The project focuses on the creative journey, celebrating each student's voice, imagination and perspective. It provides an inclusive, supportive space for students to develop their confidence and connect with new forms of expression, while introducing artists to fresh ways of thinking and making.

This exhibition brings together the outcomes of these residencies, showcasing the students’ artwork alongside a short documentary film capturing the workshops in action. Expect a vibrant mix of textures, sounds, stories and interactive pieces that invite you to engage, reflect, and reimagine what inclusive arts education can be.

Join us for drop-in sessions of inclusive arts activities, and see our exhibition while you're here!

All workshops are in the exhibition space (Theatre space) and are open to anyone to dip in and out of. They are part of Common Ground 2025, a festival of events that celebrates the creativity and voices of SEND students through artist-led residencies. Funded by Arts Council England and Birmingham Special Schools' Co-operative Trust.

Sensory Sculpture | Sat 14 Jun - 11.30am - 12.30pm | 1 - 2pm | 2.30 - 3.30pm

Accessible, play-based and relaxed exploration of 3D and 2D sensory materials for people of any age and ability, with a focus on creating a character.

Music Play | Sat 14 Jun - 11.30am - 12.30pm | 1 - 2pm | 2.30 - 3.30pm

Accessible, play-based and relaxed exploration of music and sound making with a variety of instruments for people of any age and ability.

Comedy Collage | Sun 15 Jun - 11.30am - 12.30pm | 1 - 2pm | 2.30 - 3.30pm

Accessible, play-based and relaxed exploration of found imagery for people of any age and ability, with a focus on humour and fun.

Sensory Mark Making | Sun 15 Jun - 11.30am - 12.30pm | 1 - 2pm | 2.30 - 3.30pm

Accessible, play-based and relaxed exploration of mark making with a range of materials, with a focus on painting and printmaking.