What's On
As part of our ongoing collaboration, Sheffield DocFest and ArtWorks Together are delighted to present our "Something I Want You To Know..." Mini-Doc - call for entries!
This call for entries invites people with learning disabilities and/or autism who are over 18 from across the UK to create original short-form documentaries, shaped around the theme "Something I Want You to Know...".
Shortlisted films will be presented at a special showcase screening during Sheffield DocFest on 10th June 2026, where the winner will be announced.
Ever wanted to try your hand at making a mosaic, painting a landscape, clay work, silversmithing or photography? Join us for creative weekend workshops in May for a series of inspiring, hands-on adult art workshops held at Millennium gallery, led by a professional artist from Yorkshire ArtSpace supported by ArtWorks Artists from our four studios.
Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to refresh your creative skills, these relaxed sessions are designed to help you experiment, learn new techniques, and enjoy the creative process in an accessible and welcoming environment as part of the Artworks Together International Festival.
During the workshop you’ll:
- Learn practical techniques directly from a professional artist over a 2 hour workshop
- Experiment with new materials and approaches
- Gain confidence in your creative ability in a supportive environment
- Connect with other people who love art, learning and being creative
Set within the inspiring surroundings of the Millennium gallery, this is a chance to step away from the everyday, try something new, and leave with artwork you’ll be proud of.
Perfect for: beginners, curious creatives, and anyone looking for a different way to spend their weekend.
Spaces are limited to keep the sessions personal and supportive. We are grateful to our funders and partners that we can offer these workshops at a reduced price of £15.
Dates:
Saturday 9th May 10-12pm - Mosaic Making
Saturday 9th May 1-3pm - Painting
Sunday 10th May 1-3pm - Photography & Cyanotype
Sunday 31st May 10am-12pm - Clay Work
Sunday 31st May 1pm-3pm - Silversmithing
BOOKINGS OPEN SOON
What is the workshop about and who is it for?
Maybe you have a class or a group of 10-15 students who are keen artists or ready to try something new. We are offering free in school workshops for SEND pupils. At ArtWorks, 'we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to fully participate in the arts and culture'. The creative workshops will be led festival producer Gemma and ArtWorks artists using inspiration from original artwork from our international festival exhibition. We will be running sessions in schools until the end of June.
What next?
Choose a date from the list. Then email us find out more and to book your free in school creative workshops.
14th April
19th May
22nd May
2nd June
5th June
23rd June
Interested please email Gemma, artworkstogether2026@gmail.com
Photography by Adam Galliford
Might you know of any groups of people 16 and over with learning disability and / or autism who might like to see our exhibition?
The ArtWorks Together international festival exhibition consists of over 70 pieces of artwork and can be experienced at the Millennium Gallery until the end of May 2026. Head to the 'Artists' section of the website to see some of the artwork from the exhibition.
Join festival producer Gemma in the gallery for a relaxed 30min - 45min tour of the exhibition. This experience is open to groups supporting people with a learning disability and/or autism. We can accommodate up to 15 people per tour and you can book more than one!
Gemma will guide you through the gallery inviting you to interact in a few optional activities to bring you closer to the stories behind the artworks that celebrate colour and innovation, amplifying contemporary social, political, environmental or cultural themes whilst challenging assumptions about the lived experiences of artists who have a learning disability, are autistic or both. This unique collection of paintings, photography, sculptures, mixed medium and film showcase artwork from South Yorkshire to South Asia, North Yorkshire to North America and beyond.
We would love to share the exhibition with you on any of the dates below:
March:
17th, 20th, 27th
April:
10th, 21st
May:
12th, 15th, 18th, 19th
To book your Relaxed Tour Please contact Gemma directly via email artworkstogether2026@gmail.com
A new Festival commission in partnership with East Midland Railways by Sheffield-based mixed-media textile artist Jodie Cooper. 'Looking out of a Window' installed in the station concourse, was inspired by a train journey from Chesterfield to Sheffield, trying to be distracted by the beautiful scenery as a way to manage autism-related travel-anxiety.
Free
Tues - Sat 10am -5pm / Sunday 11-4pm
The exhibition brings together a vibrant and ambitious collection of contemporary work that celebrates colour, innovation and artistic excellence. Across painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, film and more, the artworks explore urgent social, political, environmental and cultural themes, while offering nuanced perspectives that challenge narrow assumptions about who artists are and whose voices are valued. Featuring artists from South Yorkshire to South Asia, North Yorkshire to North America and beyond, the exhibition highlights the breadth and depth of artistic practice by artists who have a learning disability and autistic artists working internationally today.
ArtWorks Together Festival is committed to raising the profile of artists who remain significantly underrepresented within the visual arts sector. Through this exhibition, we invite audiences to engage deeply with the work, reflect on their responses, and join us in advocating for a more equitable and inclusive arts landscape.
Artwork for Event Thumbnail by Tomas Cummings.
We are excited to be partnering with BLEND to offer free family workshops at Cambridge Street Collective food hall in the school holidays. Bring your family to the food hall to join in a fun, relaxed and creative art session run by artists from Sheffield based company ArtWorks.
These free fun family Art workshops will explore original artwork from across the world. Stretch your imagination, explore some new art making skills and make your own original piece of artwork to take home.
The workshops are free but booking is essential - either online or in person - but don't miss out, grab your places today! You can choose from four workshop times each day to work around your plans. The workshops are 1 hr long, suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Book now for 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm workshops daily during the dates below.
Workshops will take place on the following dates:
February
Tuesday 17th
Wednesday 18th
Thursday 19th
Friday 20th
April
Wednesday 8th
Thursday 9th
May
Tuesday 26th
Wednesday 27th
Thursday 28th
Friday 29th
Artwork in thumbnail by Kayla Snover
Set in a tower block community, in a dystopian future, a ruling authority has declared all music a threat to society. Unbowed, the residents of The District come together, to rediscover music and to make a change for good that will resonate far beyond their lone tower block.
The District is a love letter to music. The production will highlight the particular importance of music in the creative lives of learning disabled and Autistic people and is inspired by the collective experience of the Covid-19 lockdown and life in a post-pandemic world.
The District's book is written by Becky Newbould, Simon Grainger and Cross The Sky, with original music and lyrics by Simon Grainger, with an exclusive contribution from Torquil Campbell of Canadian indie rock band Stars.
Like previous Cross the Sky productions, this work is informed by the lived experiences of Cross the Sky’s performers.
This premiere performance of The District is part of ArtWorks Together, an international festival, offering adult artists who have a learning disability, are autistic or both, the opportunity to showcase their talents to the entire world, gaining the recognition they deserve.