Arts Derbyshire

Artist profile

Learning Through Arts

Learning Through Arts is an independent arts and creative learning organisation founded in 1999 and based in Derbyshire. We develop and deliver inspiring, inclusive and innovative arts projects for people of all ages, aiming to create opportunity for involvement in arts practise and address barriers to participation.

Learning Through Arts believes that the arts are a transforming participatory experience that should be open to everyone to experience and enjoy; and a powerful tool for enhancing well-being and enabling creative learning, personal and group development, social inclusion, partnership building and community regeneration.

We value co-creation of projects and in making art work, and so build partnerships in which participants and partner organisations can work collaboratively to connect and communicate through creative practise

LTA puts inclusion at the centre of our work, enabling participation for all, and is committed to developing projects that engage people from marginalised and disadvantaged groups.
LTA has a core focus on arts and health, aiming to enhance emotional and mental well-being and physical health. This aim is carried through both participatory and performance-based work. We aim to inspire and develop creativity; facilitate participants’ personal development and learning, and achievement of goals and aspirations; we create sociable, supportive and safe spaces in which to explore ideas; we encourage fun and value creative play for people of all ages!
LTA has deep experience and a strong reputation as an innovator and leader in the field of performing arts work with children and young people, with people with additional and complex needs, and in the combination of these two areas.
LTA has initiated, developed and managed a number of large scale projects with extended time frames, large budgets, challenging aims, and partnership teams that include a wide range of organisations and collaborating artists. We aim to bring creativity into every aspect of planning and development and delivery.
Whilst based in Wirksworth, LTA works throughout Derbyshire and the East Midlands and has a team of highly experienced freelance art practitioners who collaborate as required for the particular aims and needs of each project.

Creative Genre

  • Arts and creative learning in education and in the community. Dance and performing arts. Combined arts.

Work Undertaken

  • Programmes and partnership projects using dance and performing arts as a creative learning tool in all education settings (statutory and voluntary sectors)
  • including specialism in special education needs. Partnership community projects to engage and inspire
  • small and large scale
  • community participation
  • sight responsive
  • all ages and abilities. Dance Interaction- Learning Through Arts unique dance practice using creative movement to encourage interpersonal interaction communication
  • expression and confidence building for people with complex needs and those experiencing mental health difficulties.

Work in Education

  • Learning Through Arts is a specialist organisation in arts education and creative learning. We have worked in all key stages from foundation to vocational training
  • in statutory education settings and in the voluntary sector
  • including work with children and young people in the community. LTA also delivers training for teachers at all key stages in dance teaching
  • creative learning and cross curricular projects using the arts for inspirational and immersive learning. LTA has a deep understanding and experience within special education
  • having worked with children and young people with additional and complex needs
  • sensory impairment and physical disability in special schools and in the community. Programmes have included class teaching
  • creative learning projects
  • integrated group delivery and currently
  • Dance Interaction - a unique programme using dance in one to one settings to develop confidence in social interaction
  • communication and self expression. LTA has developed
  • managed and delivered partnership projects with clusters of schools
  • and in collaboration with community groups
  • delivering large scale projects with high numbers of participants
  • performances in outdoor and site responsive settings
  • and projects in relation to local history and culture. Debi
  • Creative Director of Learning Through Arts
  • has lifelong experience and specialism in working in education teaching dance and using dance for cross curricular and creative learning
  • starting her work with children (including those with complex needs) even before leaving school. As well as working in many Derbyshire schools (including Special Schools and Early Years settings) Debi has worked with Creative Partnerships Nottingham
  • Bolsover
  • Ashfield and Mansfield
  • Derby College
  • Middlesex University
  • Bedford College of Education
  • London Studio Centre
  • London College of Dance.

Portfolio

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