Creative Pathways: SEN Work Experience

What does the programme involve?
Starting with a four-month programme at artsdepot, participants take part in weekly workshops to uncover all areas of a professional arts venue — including technical production, front-of-house, programming, and participation. This immersive experience offers a broad understanding of how the creative sector operates, while building confidence, leadership, and employability skills.

During this time, participants will also work towards achieving a Bronze Arts Award qualification as recognition of their new skills and knowledge.

Professional work placement
Following the initial phase, participants are then offered the opportunity to take part in a bespoke placement with a creative business or organisation, carefully matched to their individual interests and strengths. These placements offer real-world experience and the chance to develop specialist skills in a supportive environment. Previous partner organisations have included Chickenshed Theatre, 2econd Chance, Apex, and DJMC Academy.

Who is the programme for?
This programme is designed for young people aged 16-24 who identify as having a learning disability.

Participants do not need to have any previous professional work experience to take part in this programme, nor any specialist creative skills. We ask that participants who apply for the programme are committed to the opportunity, passionate about an aspect of arts and culture, and interested in potentially pursuing a career in the creative industries.

We will discuss with all participants their access requirements to ensure that the programme suitable for them and that we can support them fully throughout the scheme and make any reasonable adjustments. We are not able to provide dedicated 1-1 support for participants on this programme.

How to get involved?
Applications for the 2025–2026 are now open. Please apply by filling out this form. Deadline for applications is 9am on Tue 21 Oct.

We ask that referrals from organisations supporting applicants also complete this form either with the applicant or on their behalf with their consent.

We will invite applicants that express interest in the programme and meet the criteria to an informal group of interview workshop on Fri 23 Oct so that participants can meet the staff facilitating the programme and ensure it’s the right opportunity for them.

For more information or to discuss the programme informally, contact Roisin Omata via email on participation@artsdepot.co.uk or call 020 8369 5452.

Key Dates
Tue 21 Oct, 9am: Deadline for applications. We will get back to applicants by Wed 22 Oct.
Fri 24 Oct, 11:30-4pm: Group Interview Workshop (you will be allocated a morning or afternoon slot

Programme Schedule
Sessions run from Fri 7 Nov 2025 – Fri 13 Feb 2026, 12pm – 3pm at artsdepot unless otherwise noted.

Exceptions:
Fri 5 Dec 2025, 11.30am-2.30pm
Fri 9 Jan 2026, 11.30am-2.30pm
Fri 6 Feb 2026, 11.30am-2.30pm

Thu 20 Nov 2025: Group trip to see Stopgap Dance Company: Lived Fiction in the Pentland Theatre at artsdepot from 7.30pm-9.30pm.

Placements will run from February – May 2026 with days and times to be determined.

Creative Pathways is part of artsdepot’s commitment to creating a more inclusive arts sector and supporting learning disabled young people to shape its future.