The Education Department makes an understanding and enjoyment of fine art accessible to all, not just the privilege of a few. We offer a variety of routes into fine art for a wide cross section of society, particularly people who may never have visited an art gallery before, or who may have felt that art was not relevant to them.

Over the years we have built up a great deal of experience of running outreach projects working with some of the most disadvantaged members of society at extremely sensitive sites. Our team of freelance artists, gallery teachers and project coordinators are highly skilled in the running of practical art courses at such sites.

As a result of projects such as Art Icebreaker and Does Art Make a Difference we have developed a reputation as a leading Gallery for working with socially excluded groups. Our innovative programmes continually strive to push out the boundaries of what is possible.

We aim to work with 5 partner sites per year, or as many as funding allows.

Good Times: Art for Older People at Dulwich Picture Gallery

2005 - present

The Education Department of Dulwich Picture Gallery has received funding from the Bridge House Trust to undertake an innovative and groundbreaking project to combat isolation among older people.

The project brings enrichment, friendship and self-confidence into the lives of hundreds of older people, of all cultures and creeds, across four London boroughs - Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham and Bromley. We want to reach those who have become isolated and down-hearted through illness, bereavement, and separation from family.

We have been working with over 40 partnership sites including Day Centres and Sheltered Housing Units. Groups are invited to visit the Gallery where our experienced and knowledgeable guides introduce them to the collection. They have the opportunity to socialise with friends and meet new people over tea in the gallery café. We also take workshops to these partnership sites. Through running these radical practical creative projects and art appreciation sessions, we hope to revive long forgotten skills and reveal fresh talents. Furthermore, by sharing pleasurable experiences with others we hope to encourage friendship, communication and a zest for living.

"Now we'll have something different to talk about tomorrow."

"You forget the pain."

"Lovely to have tea in a proper cup."

I've never done anything like this, never in my life, never!"

For further information about the project please contact Clare Ferdinando on 020 8299 8734 or c.ferdinando@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk  

Orchard Lodge Resource Centre

1999 to present
Orchard Lodge comprises open and secure units for young male offenders and boys on remand.
Orchard Lodge puts a great deal of emphasis on education, and we contribute to the school programme offering weekly art sessions, especially for boys preparing for art GCSE. We also run summer activity courses.

Copleston Centre, East Dulwich

1999 to 2006
The Copleston Centre is a multipurpose community centre offering a variety of activities to its, mostly local, users - families, retired people, employed people and asylum seekers
We ran:

• Artdays offering the chance to experiment with a variety of art techniques and materials

• Weekley art workshops

• Summer art and craft activities for the Playscheme

• Art appreciation talks and workshops for the retired

Alford House, Kennington

2002 to present
Alford House is a youth club where we run our Kennington Kids programme. The children come from the many surrounding council estates, some are from difficult backgrounds.
Weekly art and craft after school activities explore a wide range of media and techniques from photography to painting.

St Johns, Waterloo

1999 to 2005
St Johns Waterloo is a church keen for its space to be used to benefit the mixed local community.
We run evening art classes at the church open to the local community and the wider general public

Cumberlow Community, Norwood

2000 - 2001
Cumberlow Community is a home for young people from deprived and abusive backgrounds.
We ran week-long practical art courses, including visits to the Gallery.

St James Hatcham Family Unit, New Cross

2000 - 2001
St James Hatcham Family Unit is a centre attached to a school promoting family learning.
Weekend sessions encouraged children and families to explore art and creativity together.

Access Art outreach projects are made possible by the generous support of funders.

For more information please contact the Education Department's Outreach Coordinator on 020 8299 8734 or email outreach@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk