In August 2007, darts received funding from the Big Lottery's Playful Ideas Programme to develop and deliver "Art Adventures on the Move".
Art Adventures on the Move aims to engage hard-to-reach families in a playful exploration of the arts. By running 'satellite' sessions with partner organisations in Doncaster, we were able to reach groups that wouldn't usually access arts-based sessions. We then used these sessions to creatively consult with the participants, exploring the barriers which they have encountered accessing arts sessions.
The weekly workshop is designed for the under 4s and their grown-ups. The sessions concentrated on sharing, celebrating and exploring arts activities and creative approaches in a safe and supportive environment.
Art Adventures has seen some amazing stories unfold. David started attending in the autumn of 2004. He was very shy and nervous, not wanting to say his name out loud in the introductions at the beginning of the sessions.
The artists decided to bring in a different animal each week and David began to whisper his name to the animal. He watched the other children closely, how they were interacting with the artists and each other.
Through regular attendance and the gentle work that the artists did with David, he grew in confidence and in the Spring term he captivated the rest of the group with his story about a fish at the bottom of the sea.
David's father told us: "Art Adventures has increased my son's confidence and increased his creative abilities. It's the best thing in Doncaster that I know of."
Another parent said: "We really enjoy Art Adventures - real art for real children that isn't patronising and introduces children to a range of creative approaches."