REAL ARTS WORKSHOPS

About Real Arts Workshops

Based in the West Midlands, Real Arts Workshops (R.A.W.) - led by graphic designer, artist and musician Alex Vann, and proud Deaf artist Gary O'Dowd provides high-quality, tailor-made Creative Arts Workshops for young people and adults including those who may not always have access to the Arts.

These include people with additional needs and those who are marginalised for whatever reason.

The art workshops put the learner at the centre and encourage self expression and experimentation. In this way we are

“ GIVING PEOPLE A CREATIVE VOICE”

Graphic Design Artist Alex Vann, Musician at Real Arts Workshop

Alex Vann with Lyng Youth Club - song writing session

Pensnett retired people drawing portraits

They help people of all ages to feel excited and inspired and to develop their confidence, break down barriers and take ownership of their creativity.

You can book R.A.W. for projects, a day session, half day and taster workshops.

Our team has many of years of experience in education and believe in balancing academic success with developing creativity.
We are DBS checked for work with children and adults and have Public Liability Insurance up to £5m.
Alex is trained to Level 6 in BSL.

Alex and Gary O'Dowd retired art workshop

Gary and Alex with Pensnett and Brierley Hill Active Retirement - portraits session

MAKE A BOOKING / ENQUIRY

A BRIEF HISTORY OF R.A.W.

IT ALL STARTED WITH A BOOK!

We all know the famous saying about children being more interested in the packaging of a present than the gift itself!

This is because cardboard and other packaging materials leave much more to the imagination.

This was the inspiration for 'JOSEPH THE USEFUL CARDBOARD BOX' which was written by Alex and published with the help of an Arts Council grant and went on sale in WATERSTONES bookstores across the UK.

The story has now been digitized and is available as a story video and also a song video

Also, visit our 'Resources' page for 'Joseph' themed things to make and do.

This led onto Alex and his team visiting schools, festivals, centres for children and other settings, telling the story of JOSEPH and creating LARGE art from cardboard and other recycled materials. Here are a few examples: