what we learned from sendiverse
creativity, belonging and the power of inclusive arts
At The Leap, we’ve spent the last few years co-creating dozens of community festivals and cultural events across Bradford district, working with artists, neighbourhood groups, schools, and families. Through that work we noticed a pattern. While these spaces often brimmed with creativity, they were not always inclusive for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Families told us they wanted to take part but found many events overwhelming, inaccessible, or simply not designed with their needs in mind.
It was from this learning that SENDiVERSE was imagined, a festival built from the ground up to be joyful, inclusive, sensory-friendly and co-created by children, young people and families. A space where creativity and belonging could thrive together.
SENDiVERSE not only celebrated creativity and belonging it deepened our understanding of what truly inclusive arts practice looks like in action. The festival reinforced the power of listening and co-creation. To explore our learning, impact, and reflections in more detail, please read the full report link below.
