Autism Awareness Month

The Empathy for Infinity Spectrum or Accept the Difference campaign, aims to promote the acceptance of SEN children and autism within the community through creativity. 

Campaign Overview

**The Empathy for Infinity Spectrum** or **Accept the Difference Campaign** is Spectrum Studio's flagship initiative, designed to foster acceptance and understanding of children with special educational needs (SEN) and autism within the community. Through a blend of creativity and advocacy, we aim to break down barriers and celebrate the unique contributions of every individual.

The Spectrum Studio: A Vibrant Hub of Creativity and Community Engagement

In June 2023, we celebrated the launch of The Spectrum Studio at a memorable outdoor event in Redbridge, marking a significant chapter in our seven-year journey of enriching the lives of SEN children and their communities. Originating from the heart of the Barkingside Art Club, The Spectrum Studio emerged as a dynamic pop-up hub dedicated to fostering creativity among SEN children and young people. This initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing creative talents, offering valuable experiences in the arts, qualifications, volunteer opportunities, and the chance to be part of expansive creative and cultural endeavors.

The Spectrum Studio serves as a canopy under which all our efforts to support SEN children converge, embodying our mission to establish a creative sanctuary within the Redbridge community. Through the Barkingside Art Club and our not-for-profit entity, Art for Art CIC (AFORA), we endeavor to weave a fabric of support and inclusivity. For information on how to enroll your child in our projects or to explore collaboration opportunities, please reach out to us at studio@afora.uk or studio@barkingsideartclub.com.

At the helm of Spectrum Studio, affiliated with Art for an Artist CIC and Barkingside Art Club, stands Eliyah Qureshi, a passionate art educator and mother to a child with autism. Her journey, fueled by personal insights and professional acumen, drives the vision of cultivating an inclusive community through the transformative power of art.

We invite you to join us in our "Empathy for Infinity Spectrum Campaign" to champion creativity and forge a path toward a more inclusive society. For more details on how to participate or sign up, please visit our website and follow us on social media. Together, let's amplify our voices through creativity and open the doors to a world where everyone belongs.

The Importance of Acceptance

Our society often misunderstands autism and other neurological conditions, mistaking them for choices rather than inherent aspects of an individual's being. Through the **Empathy for Infinity Spectrum Campaign**, we aim to shift this perception, promoting acceptance, and understanding for the SEN community. Our logo and ethos, inspired by the intricate behavior of bees, symbolize the beauty of diversity and the importance of embracing every individual's natural tendencies.

Inclusive Workshops and Events

Our ethos and logo at Barkingside Art Club are deeply inspired by bees. Much like the unique behavior of bees—following their patterns, producing a distinctive buzz, and their protective yet sacrificial sting—there's a poignant connection to the nature of autism. The buzzing, often misunderstood or feared, symbolizes bees simply being themselves. This mirrors the need for greater understanding and acceptance of SEN (Special Educational Needs) children, especially those with autism. These children, akin to bees, are an intrinsic part of our natural world, embodying unique ways of interaction and expression. Society often pressures children to conform or mask their true feelings, leading to overwhelming moments akin to a "sting." However, embracing and understanding these natural expressions can foster a more inclusive and nurturing environment for all.

In alignment with these values, Barkingside Art Club actively promotes inclusivity through a variety of workshops and events designed for children of all backgrounds and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) statuses. We offer a weekly SEND creative session every Friday after school, as well as a weekly SEND girls art and social club. Our commitment extends to incorporating SEND children into our regular sessions, creating diverse programs, and initiating pop-up hubs within local projects to serve the SEND community. These efforts are part of our broader mission to engage and motivate local organizations in supporting SEND-focused initiatives. Our community has grown, fueled by increased awareness and the drive to inspire change, making inclusion a reality in our surroundings.

Supporting our mission are our Creative Ambassador assistants—dynamic young individuals who volunteer, receive training, and engage in our earn-while-learning programs. These young leaders play a pivotal role in bridging connections between SEND students and their peers, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and respect. Our collective efforts extend beyond art creation; we are dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of young people. At Barkingside Art Club, we firmly believe that creativity is a powerful conduit for promoting inclusion, acceptance, and the well-being of every community member.

Collaboration with Redbridge Schools and Organisations

We extend a special invitation to Redbridge schools, businesses, and community organisations to engage with our campaign. Your collaboration can amplify our message, encouraging a wider audience to embrace creativity as a pathway to understanding and acceptance. Participate in the Empathy for Infinity Spectrum Campaign

Empathy for Infinity Spectrum: Creative Challenge

Join Us: Barkingside Art Club & Art for Artist CIC

Welcome to a special journey! During Autism Awareness Week, we're excited to start a summer of creativity and kindness. With the help of our art worksheet, you're invited to make art that shows the beauty of being different and the importance of empathy and acceptance.

Your Challenge: Create art that shines a light on autism and neurodiversity. Let's explore the link between the fascinating world of bees and the wide range of autism experiences.

Why Bees? Bees are crucial to our world, just like how people with autism enrich our society. Bees communicate in their unique way, much like how individuals with autism share their special view of the world.

Why Infinity? The infinity symbol shows the endless possibilities and diverse experiences within autism. It's a sign of our promise to accept and welcome everyone, just as they are.

How to Participate:

  • Draw or Craft: Use this sheet to draw or create something that matches our theme. Feel free to use any art form - drawing, painting, digital art, sculpture, or anything else. Try to include bees or the infinity symbol, but also feel free to express the main ideas in your own creative way.

  • Find Inspiration: Think about how bees move and live, their role in nature, and how this relates to the experiences of people with autism. Consider how their unique ways reflect the diverse experiences of autism.

  • Share Your Art: Once your artwork is ready, take a picture and share it online with #InfinityCampaign, #SpectrumStudio, and #BarkingsideArtClub. Your art will help spread awareness and inspire others.

Let's fill this Autism Awareness Week with colors of empathy and understanding. Through your art, show the world the beauty of diversity and the strength in everyone's unique story.

Start Your Artistic Journey to Empathy and Acceptance Today!

Together, let's make a lasting impact for all.