Exhibition opens ‘huge’ opportunity for students

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An exhibition of art by students at Longspee Academy at Lighthouse is providing a rare opportunity for the young artists to see their work on show in the community.

Longspee became a Lighthouse Partner School this year and is a specialist school for young people with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) diagnosis alongside Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

“Longspee Secondary became a Lighthouse Partner School this year and it has opened up a huge opportunity for our students who are working very hard to make a good display,” says Sheila Irvine, Careers Information Advice and Guidance at Longspee.

“Our students struggle with social situations that are unfamiliar. However, we have attended two shows during the school day and they have loved every second of it.

“The impact on the children has been huge. They have been exposed to experiences they’d never come into contact with before and have started to believe that they too could be a part of that in the future. Experiences like this only serve to promote confidence and a better all round education in the arts.”

Charles Shenton, Lighthouse Creative Engagement Producer, adds: “We’re excited to see the artwork produced by the young people at Longspee and share it with the community. As a creative charity, Lighthouse is committed to removing barriers to access to arts and culture wherever possible.”

The exhibition can be seen daily during opening hours in the Top Floor Gallery at Lighthouse until Sunday 6 October.

(NC)