Welcome to the AccessArt Lab
AccessArt opened an AccessArt Lab in 2025 as part of our continuing commitment to push the boundaries of what is possible when artists and educators from all settings work together. Led by Paula Briggs, Creative Director of AccessArt and the AccessArt Lab, the studio at Stapleford Granary, Cambridge, provided a space for an ongoing creative (and practical) conversation between AccessArt and our audience. Read More
The AccessArt Lab: Areas of Focus and Core Values
The AccessArt Lab provided AccessArt with the opportunity to focus on practical and pedagogical exploration of key areas of interest which have emerged over the last few years.
The work in the Lab was guided by specific areas of focus and core values. Read More
The AccessArt Lab provided us with the space and freedom to explore ideas as they occurred. Activities and pedagogies weaved in and out of each other, and we deliberately gave ourselves permission to stay in an emergent space – a space of “not-knowing” – rather than rush to an outcome which is defined too soon.
Presented in no particular order, here are some of the ideas we explored.
“How do we Engage Learners Right from the Start?”
When learners enter the classroom, we have a powerful chance to spark their curiosity—through surprise, sensory experiences, and imaginative design. In the AccessArt Lab we have been exploring how artists and educators can use novelty and insight to inspire wonder and engagement from the very start.
See: Engaging Audiences Through Transportation
“Why do we Teach Art?”
It is vital that if we are to enable more people to value art, then we need to be overt about exploring what art can do for us, as individuals, communities and as a society.
There have been a number of discussions in the Lab about the fact that many pupils seem to be losing sight of the fact that art can help us express our thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Educators hypothesised that this is because current education systems do not prioritise or value self expression in learning.
So the question is: How can we enable pupils to see that art is a tool which can help them process and express?
“Can Art help us See Good in the World?”
