Off the Canvas Information

What is Off the Canvas? We offer arts and crafts sessions aimed at all children, however the child led nature and exploration of a variety of sensory elements make our sessions particularly well-suited to those that are neurodivergent. The benefits of art are extensive, including the promotion of self-discovery, emotional release, connecting, empowerment and communication. For neurodivergent children, whom can experience difficulty in identifying and regulating emotions, our sessions can provide them with a visualisation of what emotion looks like to them, and transfer this into other apsects of their lives. We aim to offer a safe space to meet others that prefer calmer activities and give them the opportunity to explore different artistic avenues and experience creative freedom through embodying curiosity. As our ethos is based on being child-led, we find it important that children have a choice in which sessions they want to engage in. For neurodivergent children, this can help them to avoid a potentially triggering situation, prepare themselves for a session, and have an idea on what to expect. The child-led element also puts children in the driving seat of their own artistic experience, different to product focussed art they undertake in schools. Although we are child-led, our sessions will have a theme that children can explore in any way they see fit with the variety of resources we have to offer. The reason behind this is that children tend to become bored having to invent their own ideas every session, and we aim to combat this by providing inspiration. For any other questions or queries, please feel free to message/email us.