Our Stomping Grounds Exhibition
Artistic People
Group Portraits
Artistic People
Group Portraits
Full Circle members are aware that there is lots of artistic talent in the Tees Valley in the learning disability community, which is why the Our Stomping Grounds Festival felt so important. It was a chance to highlight some of our peers doing amazing things. We also showcased local talent in our Short, Short Film Festival, the Stomp Cabaret and the Arctic Piranha Daytime Rave.
Thank you to all the groups who took part and the photographers who took the portraits. It’s been so fantastic to connect with everyone and to feel like there can be a real sense of community. It’s a small world and we found that lots of different group members knew each other from different settings. We’re so grateful to have made stronger links now and hope that we can all continue to support each other as we navigate this changing world.
A special thank you to photographer John Dowson from Steps for taking some of the portraits. John takes photographs of bands and shows. Thank you to everyone who has captured different groups in Our Stomping Grounds. We’re very proud of the artistic contributions of learning-disabled people in Our Stomping Grounds.
Thank you to all the groups who took part and the photographers who took the portraits. It’s been so fantastic to connect with everyone and to feel like there can be a real sense of community. It’s a small world and we found that lots of different group members knew each other from different settings. We’re so grateful to have made stronger links now and hope that we can all continue to support each other as we navigate this changing world.
A special thank you to photographer John Dowson from Steps for taking some of the portraits. John takes photographs of bands and shows. Thank you to everyone who has captured different groups in Our Stomping Grounds. We’re very proud of the artistic contributions of learning-disabled people in Our Stomping Grounds.
45 Days to Find My Way
45 Days to Find My Way was a year-long project with 11 young disabled people exploring identity, personal ambition and achieving goals through the arts as part of ARC and Little Cog’s Cultural Shift programme. The group members created a digital portraiture exhibition at ARC beginning by looking at what a photograph can say, what it can tell us if we look really closely.
A truly wonderful, energised and enthusiastic group of young people came together after a couple of taster sessions earlier in the summer. They were generous, supportive of each other and open to the adventure we embarked on.
We used drama exercises to get to know each other, discussion and visual art to talk about personal qualities and skills. We had a lot of fun but everyone was really dedicated to working hard. We made collages, an animated film, short stop frame individual animations and were even featured in a Spirit of 2012 Trust Film. Emily, gave a lot of thought about how to make exhibitions accessible to disabled people in different ways. She talked with passion about sensory experiences for people with complex requirements.
The group also devised a surprise Flash Mob for Stockton High Street which was a huge adventure. The group worked hard and created a piece to the Bruno Mars song Uptown Funk. Everyone was quite nervous before hand but the crowd were amazing.
To bring their project to an end the group devised a show to share with family and friends on ARC’s stage, which featured lots of solo performances focussing on peoples’ different skills – dance, poetry, magic, singing and drama.
We wanted to mention this wonderful group of people as they made it such a successful project and many of them have gone on to take part in other arts activities and followed their passions, all having built their confidence and visions of what they would like to do next.
Photo Credit: Cultural Shift
Shoot Your Mouth Off (SYMO)
Shoot Your Mouth Off are a group of filmmakers, actors, musicians, singers and rappers from Hartlepool. The group in its current form was created in 2007 and since then has grown to host the fastest-growing, most popular YouTube channel featuring content created entirely with and by people with learning disabilities. With 55.4k subscribers, and12,954,641 channel views since the start SYMO is n internet sensation, whiles being virtually unheard of in our own town of Hartlepool!
We meet 3 days a week at our studios which is where we make lots of different kinds of films including comedies such as SYMO X, our horror series featuring Reverend Roundhouse and his wife, disgraced nun Claire entitled Paranormal Inactivity. We make loads of music videos with our resident bands, the Feisty Girls and the Romance Boys, and have recently recruited rock God Dylan, featured on our channel with his banger, I Am an American..
We have a huge amount of fun at SYMO, but there is also a more serious side to what we do. The SYMO Song is originally part of a show we tour round local schools and other organisations in order to promote the visibility of learning-disabled people, particularly with the aim of introducing young people to our members on a face-to-face basis and realise that, while we're all different, we should all be treated the same, with respect and kindness. This has proved really successful, not only with kids but trainee podiatrists at New College Durham, which is where the group photo was taken.
Every two years since 2014 we've had a SYMO holiday to Blackpool, which has always been fantastic, with lots of scary rides, visits to the water park and a fabulous show.
We're thinking, after four visits, we might try somewhere else next time!
Every Monday afternoon we have a brilliant music teacher, Kate Sirs, working with us to develop our singing abilities as music is such an important part of SYMO's programme. Next year we are working on a short musical performance which we hope will culminate in a live performance as well as being filmed for the YouTube Channel.
Finally, let's finish with a few quotes from the group about how they feel about the whole SYMO Experience.
Gav: SYMO's helped me out a lot, it makes me happy basically, I have fun!
Rob: It's helped me meet more people and brought me out of my shell.
Graeme: We have good fun, we have a laugh, and I'm happy with all my friends
Kate Sirs, Music Teacher: SYMO is my happy place, I always feel happy when I come here. I love the unpredictability of it...
Ian: SYMO is a place that gives me more confidence in things I don't understand, like spelling. I'm brilliant at prop work, making props for our films and that's how I came to be artistic. At the same time, it keeps me calm.
David: SYMO is Life. Forever!
Photo Courtesy: Shoot Your Mouth Off
We meet 3 days a week at our studios which is where we make lots of different kinds of films including comedies such as SYMO X, our horror series featuring Reverend Roundhouse and his wife, disgraced nun Claire entitled Paranormal Inactivity. We make loads of music videos with our resident bands, the Feisty Girls and the Romance Boys, and have recently recruited rock God Dylan, featured on our channel with his banger, I Am an American..
We have a huge amount of fun at SYMO, but there is also a more serious side to what we do. The SYMO Song is originally part of a show we tour round local schools and other organisations in order to promote the visibility of learning-disabled people, particularly with the aim of introducing young people to our members on a face-to-face basis and realise that, while we're all different, we should all be treated the same, with respect and kindness. This has proved really successful, not only with kids but trainee podiatrists at New College Durham, which is where the group photo was taken.
Every two years since 2014 we've had a SYMO holiday to Blackpool, which has always been fantastic, with lots of scary rides, visits to the water park and a fabulous show.
We're thinking, after four visits, we might try somewhere else next time!
Every Monday afternoon we have a brilliant music teacher, Kate Sirs, working with us to develop our singing abilities as music is such an important part of SYMO's programme. Next year we are working on a short musical performance which we hope will culminate in a live performance as well as being filmed for the YouTube Channel.
Finally, let's finish with a few quotes from the group about how they feel about the whole SYMO Experience.
Gav: SYMO's helped me out a lot, it makes me happy basically, I have fun!
Rob: It's helped me meet more people and brought me out of my shell.
Graeme: We have good fun, we have a laugh, and I'm happy with all my friends
Kate Sirs, Music Teacher: SYMO is my happy place, I always feel happy when I come here. I love the unpredictability of it...
Ian: SYMO is a place that gives me more confidence in things I don't understand, like spelling. I'm brilliant at prop work, making props for our films and that's how I came to be artistic. At the same time, it keeps me calm.
David: SYMO is Life. Forever!
Photo Courtesy: Shoot Your Mouth Off
Full Circle
Full Circle is an award-winning independent theatre company of learning-disabled theatre makers making critically acclaimed work.
Background
Full Circle started in 2008 as part of Stockton Council’s Adult Services department. They were described as a ‘community hub’ as services expanded to enable people more choices in how they spent their time. The group was supported by amazing day service staff to try out drama and performance. In 2010, the group moved into ARC Stockton and the Arts Centre became their creative home. In 2012, Full Circle were offered some free workshops from Little Cog, and they just clicked artistically and have collaborated on productions ever since. In 2018 they became an independent theatre company.
What We Do
Full Circle devises and creates new original work by learning disabled people, which has a unique visual and physical style, with the aim of bringing new audiences to see them, including large numbers of learning-disabled people to see work with relevance to them. The company also deliver arts workshops to learning disabled peers. This both ensures that what they are doing is current and engaging but also increases opportunities for learning disabled people to build their confidence and express themselves, knowing that they have a place and are valued.
Winning Awards, Touring and Training
In 2018, in their first year as an independent theatre company, Full Circle won the Catalyst Community Arts and Culture Award. It was a tremendous boost for the company and a wonderful recognition of their important voice. The group expanded their horizons by touring regionally in 2019 and early 2020. The company were invited to perform at the Come On Down Festival in Blyth Northumberland by Headway Arts, and the Catalyst Awards 2019, and developed partnerships with Arts Centre Washington and the Centre for Excellence in the Creative Arts (CECA) in Hartlepool. They also offered training to young learning disabled actors.
Stockton International Riverside Festival 2022 And Beyond
It was a dream come true to be commissioned for SIRF which is an international outdoor theatre festival in Stockton. It ended up being a piece about what happens to a group when the world turns upside down and there is a risk of complete isolation. It was created in Full Circle’s usual witty but poignant style. It received tremendous acclaim at SIRF and the group are thrilled to be able to present it again in ARC’s theatre. The group are so proud of the festival and everyone involved. Watch this space for the next project!
Photo Credit: John Dowson
Background
Full Circle started in 2008 as part of Stockton Council’s Adult Services department. They were described as a ‘community hub’ as services expanded to enable people more choices in how they spent their time. The group was supported by amazing day service staff to try out drama and performance. In 2010, the group moved into ARC Stockton and the Arts Centre became their creative home. In 2012, Full Circle were offered some free workshops from Little Cog, and they just clicked artistically and have collaborated on productions ever since. In 2018 they became an independent theatre company.
What We Do
Full Circle devises and creates new original work by learning disabled people, which has a unique visual and physical style, with the aim of bringing new audiences to see them, including large numbers of learning-disabled people to see work with relevance to them. The company also deliver arts workshops to learning disabled peers. This both ensures that what they are doing is current and engaging but also increases opportunities for learning disabled people to build their confidence and express themselves, knowing that they have a place and are valued.
Winning Awards, Touring and Training
In 2018, in their first year as an independent theatre company, Full Circle won the Catalyst Community Arts and Culture Award. It was a tremendous boost for the company and a wonderful recognition of their important voice. The group expanded their horizons by touring regionally in 2019 and early 2020. The company were invited to perform at the Come On Down Festival in Blyth Northumberland by Headway Arts, and the Catalyst Awards 2019, and developed partnerships with Arts Centre Washington and the Centre for Excellence in the Creative Arts (CECA) in Hartlepool. They also offered training to young learning disabled actors.
Stockton International Riverside Festival 2022 And Beyond
It was a dream come true to be commissioned for SIRF which is an international outdoor theatre festival in Stockton. It ended up being a piece about what happens to a group when the world turns upside down and there is a risk of complete isolation. It was created in Full Circle’s usual witty but poignant style. It received tremendous acclaim at SIRF and the group are thrilled to be able to present it again in ARC’s theatre. The group are so proud of the festival and everyone involved. Watch this space for the next project!
Photo Credit: John Dowson
ARCtic Piranha
ARCtic Piranha are a group of learning-disabled adults who design fun, safe and inclusive club night events for learning-disabled adults at ARC Stockton Arts Centre. The planning group do it all: from the theme to the décor and the music selection. We even have a few DJs in the group who go onto the decks during the event to get the party started.
ARCtic Piranha first started in 2015 as part of the Cultural Shift project and came about at the request of learning-disabled people in the Tees Valley who were looking for somewhere safe to enjoy a night-clubbing experience. Since the group's first event in 2015, the planning group have hosted a whole range of club night themes including Hollywood Movies, Halloween Bash and a New Year Party.
Photo Courtesy: ARCtic Piranha
ARCtic Piranha first started in 2015 as part of the Cultural Shift project and came about at the request of learning-disabled people in the Tees Valley who were looking for somewhere safe to enjoy a night-clubbing experience. Since the group's first event in 2015, the planning group have hosted a whole range of club night themes including Hollywood Movies, Halloween Bash and a New Year Party.
Photo Courtesy: ARCtic Piranha
STEPs Photography Walking Group
During the first lockdown STEPs began the online Creative Corner sessions. During these sessions a popular activity was the creation of their very own online photography exhibitions. Due to the popularity of the photography activities and clients expressing an interest in getting together to explore photography the STEPs Photography Walking Group was created.
The Photography Walking Group meet twice a month, providing an opportunity to socialise and explore creativity through photography in a supportive environment.
Photo Credit: Member of Photography Walking Group
The Photography Walking Group meet twice a month, providing an opportunity to socialise and explore creativity through photography in a supportive environment.
Photo Credit: Member of Photography Walking Group
Shape The Play
Shape the Play works across Central Stockton and Thornaby using ‘Football Inspired’ activities to get people moving more as a way of trying to reduce the health inequalities in the area. One of our sessions is in partnership with Stockton Borough Council’s Sporting Steps team, and we run 2 multisport sessions a week, as well as a pure football session.
Photo Credit: John Dowson
Photo Credit: John Dowson
Jigsaw
Jigsaw Theatre bridge the gaps in knowledge around learning disabilities piece by piece to create a whole picture.
Jigsaw Theatre Training consists of a group of performers with learning disabilities and/or those who have experienced mental health issues. Jigsaw Theatre aim to bring awareness to their local community and to build peoples’ knowledge of learning disabilities. The group was set up in 2017 to train teams and organisations to highlight everyday difficulties, the barriers faced, and what support can be given to improve the lives of those with learning disabilities. It is the hope that our training will provide teams, organisations and the wider community with appropriate techniques and knowledge to reduce discrimination and increase equality.
Photo Courtesy: Jigsaw Theatre
Jigsaw Theatre Training consists of a group of performers with learning disabilities and/or those who have experienced mental health issues. Jigsaw Theatre aim to bring awareness to their local community and to build peoples’ knowledge of learning disabilities. The group was set up in 2017 to train teams and organisations to highlight everyday difficulties, the barriers faced, and what support can be given to improve the lives of those with learning disabilities. It is the hope that our training will provide teams, organisations and the wider community with appropriate techniques and knowledge to reduce discrimination and increase equality.
Photo Courtesy: Jigsaw Theatre
Northern Stars
Northern Stars is a performing arts company working with adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. We provide skills in drama, dance, singing & all elements of performing. Our aim is to help our performers gain confidence and achieve their own personal goals, all within a safe, friendly and trusting environment.
Our highlights to date are performing at the Globe in Stockton, being acknowledged by Ricky Gervais for our mockumentary ‘Rising Stars’ inspired by The Office.
The group do numerous live performances around the area attracting a lot of supportive fans who love seeing their work such as Wayne Lineker, Zac Steffen the Middlesbrough football Goalkeeper, & the mayor of Thornaby Steve Walmsley.
Our dream for the company is to inspire others to never give up on their dreams & always believe in yourself.
Photo Courtesy: Northern Stars
Our highlights to date are performing at the Globe in Stockton, being acknowledged by Ricky Gervais for our mockumentary ‘Rising Stars’ inspired by The Office.
The group do numerous live performances around the area attracting a lot of supportive fans who love seeing their work such as Wayne Lineker, Zac Steffen the Middlesbrough football Goalkeeper, & the mayor of Thornaby Steve Walmsley.
Our dream for the company is to inspire others to never give up on their dreams & always believe in yourself.
Photo Courtesy: Northern Stars
Jam Buddies
Jam Buddies are a small group of passionate music lovers who meet weekly to practice their skills and have fun playing together. Steps, which is a local organisation supporting disabled people, helped them get a group together and find a space to play in at ARC. There wasn’t really the intention to play gigs but after working together for a while they thought it might be a good idea. By the time this exhibition is public Jam Buddies will have played their first ever live gig in ARC’s Studio theatre to showcase what they’ve been working on to friends, family, and whoever fancied a night of good music. The gig sold out within a couple of weeks of going on sale.
“The reason for the band is that we all love music. We attend this band as a group. We lean on each other and learn new skills from each other.”
The band are influenced by a range of genres, from pop, rock, folk, blues and more! Jam Buddies play cover versions of songs including Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes, Rocking All Over The World by Status Quo and Shotgun by George Ezra, and many more!
They are also writing and adapting some of their own original music, with some members venturing into song writing. It’s been a very busy time for the band, preparing for their first gig and also being booked for the Stomp Cabaret at Our Stomping Grounds Festival.
Photo Credit: John Dowson
“The reason for the band is that we all love music. We attend this band as a group. We lean on each other and learn new skills from each other.”
The band are influenced by a range of genres, from pop, rock, folk, blues and more! Jam Buddies play cover versions of songs including Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes, Rocking All Over The World by Status Quo and Shotgun by George Ezra, and many more!
They are also writing and adapting some of their own original music, with some members venturing into song writing. It’s been a very busy time for the band, preparing for their first gig and also being booked for the Stomp Cabaret at Our Stomping Grounds Festival.
Photo Credit: John Dowson
Respect Theatre
Respect Theatre was created in 2006. It is a theatre group for adults. We meet every Tuesday 4.30-6pm and practise performing arts skills whilst socialising with our friends. We do two shows a year a summer panto and Respect factor in the winter.
Photo Courtesy: Respect Theatre, Billingham
Photo Courtesy: Respect Theatre, Billingham
