This proposed club will give a safe creative space for autistic individuals, with access to a range of materials and to professional art expertise and advice, and will be a space where autistic people can explore visual expression and communication. The aim is to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where everyone feels valued and comfortable. An exhibition of work created at the club – should we be successful at securing the funding – is planned for later in the year and will be an opportunity to celebrate those who have attended and to showcase autistic creativity.
The proposed club will be facilitated by John Rimmer, artist, teacher and lecturer, who retired from BGU three years ago. John has extensive experience teaching and working with autistic individuals and identifies as neurodiverse (although not as autistic) himself. John’s work can be seen across campus, and a new exhibition of his more recent work is planned for the autumn. He will be supported in his facilitation of the art club (in a voluntary capacity) by BRIDgE academic Clare Lawrence
The Rumble, 2024
John says, ‘I am planning that sessions will include a variety of materials and activities such as drawing, sketching, painting, printing, model-making and clay sculpting. It will be great to use the tremendous asset that is the BGU Art Sudio for such a positive purpose. I am pleased and excited to be involved in this bid and very much hope that we can secure the funds for this very positive venture.’
Results of the funding round will be announced in December.
Pricked, 2014
For further information and examples of John’s work, please visit:
www.johnrimmer.co.uk or https://www.instagram.com/johnfrimmer/
