Participatory Art Workshops For teenagers
Structured creative sessions for teenagers of all abilities.
Sessions can be from one to four days, delivered to the needs of the client and participant. Whether it is part of a wider programme or a one-off, each workshop delivers learning outcomes through a collaborative creative process. I’m trained in the PhotoVoice ethical methodology. I am DBS checked and fully insured.
AMELIA YOUNG CREATIVES: PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
The Amelia Scott, Kent
10 teenagers (age 13-19), including SEN
Two days
Part of the This Young Creatives project in parallel with the Life Through a Royal Lens exhibition at The Amelia Scott, Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Participants’ portraits were displayed alongside the exhibition at the gallery.
This participant-led creative portrait photography workshop for teenagers introduced young creatives to the art of visual storytelling through contemporary portraiture. The session began with an accessible overview of portrait photography history, exploring subjects, meaning, and modern photographic styles before moving into hands-on studio practice.
During the practical creative photography workshop, the teens were introduced to industry-relevant skills, including studio lighting techniques. They were encouraged to explore their own creative direction with props and costumes.
Inspiration was drawn from both the permanent and temporary exhibitions at The Amelia Scott, encouraging students to respond to real gallery contexts and current visual culture.
The workshop also covered essential photo editing and basic retouching, along with a guided group critique to strengthen visual analysis and creative thinking.
By the end of the course, participants had built a strong foundation in digital photography.
They selected their strongest images for public exhibition at the gallery, supporting portfolio development and real-world creative experience.
“This workshop was brilliant! Thank you!” - participant
THE COVE: AGAINST THE TIDE
Hastings Contemporary, East Sussex
25 SEN teenagers (age 11-15)
Three days
Collaborative project with Hastings Contemporary and The Cove, the specialist facility for students with Special Educational Needs at St Leonards Academy allows students to work towards achieving their Arts Award. In addition to visiting the gallery, the students participate in workshops that culminate in a pop-up exhibition.
Responding to the theme “what you would like people to know about you”, the neurodiverse students with varying ranges of experience who participated in this structured three-day photography workshop were encouraged to explore creative self-expression in a safe and supportive learning environment.
I began the session by providing context, and we explored key practitioners such as Irving Penn. With this, I introduced a selection of techniques the students could engage with, including a pop-up studio complete with backdrop, lighting and a professional standard DSLR for still life shots; photo collage using a collection of source material that referenced art history and contemporary culture; and self-directed compact film camera production, where the final prints form part of a collaborative installation work.
Once the creative practice had been executed, we looked at ways to select and install their artwork for a public exhibition at the gallery.
By opening up the workshop to the practical side that follows, they could experience the side of the visual arts that many don’t see. This reinforced their sense of agency and accomplishment in the process.
Supported by Hastings Contemporary’s professional technicians, the students got a very clear understanding of each step towards the opening night, when they could proudly stand by their work with their families.
“One student told me they’ve decided to take GCSE photography as an option after enjoying it on the project.” - Louisa O’Shaughnessy, Learning Coordinator at Hastings Contemporary
Individuals and organisations of any kind can book an art workshop.
Get in touch over email with your details, including location and we’ll take it from there.