NEWS | Reach Out and Reveal: Update on new partner schools and artists

Akademi’s Reach Out and Reveal programme places South Asian dance artists “in residence” at schools for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Reach Out and Reveal aims to support the physical, emotional and communication needs of children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and SEND. Specialist Akademi practitioners have been providing weekly dance and movement sessions across three partner schools since 2018, working closely with school and teaching staff.

We are pleased to announce that we are expanding to two more London schools this year and are very excited to welcome five new artists on-board to support this expansion.

Manor School in Kensal Rise will continue to be led by the talented Georgia Cornwell as the lead artist. Joining her will be Sameeksha Meda, who will serve as the artist-in-training for 10 sessions.

At Avenue School, Suhani Modi and Aishani Ghosh will take on the role of lead artists. They will share the classes between them, ensuring that one of them leads each day.

Anusha Subramanyam will continue her work at Papillon House in Surrey.

The two new schools that are joining the ROaR programme are:

• Wembley Manor – a new Secondary School to open in London Borough of Brent (Wembley), temporarily operating from Harlesden Road. Jesal Patel will be the lead artist at this school and she will be supported by Manuela Benini. This marks the first time ROaR has been introduced to a secondary school. Additionally, a research process will be initiated this term, with detailed evaluations commencing in the next term. This will be a part of the three-year Reach Out and Reveal Research project funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation
  
• Netley Primary School and Centre for Autism in London Borough of Camden. Jane Chan will serve as the lead artist, with Nandita Shankardass as the artist-in-training here.

As per current plans, both these schools will be a part of the three-year Reach Out and Reveal Research project funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation. The research process will be initiated this term, with detailed evaluations commencing in the next term.

These updates reflect the ongoing commitment of ROaR to providing inclusive and accessible artistic experiences for young people with SEND across London. With an experienced team of lead artists and their innovative approach, the programme continues to inspire and empower young minds.

Reach Out and Reveal is funded by:

Supported by John Lyon’s Charity and BBC Children in Need.

Pilot project in 2018 and currently the ROaR Research project supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.