Creating accessible and inclusive artistic opportunities for people of all ages who may be experiencing disability, illness, disadvantage or social isolation
CREATE
PERFORM
INSPIRE
About Us
Reach Inclusive Arts (RIA) is a charity providing a variety of artistic opportunities for people with a range of additional needs in Swindon and the surrounding areas of Wiltshire. We creating accessible and inclusive artistic opportunities for people of all ages who may be experiencing disability, illness, disadvantage or social isolation.
For the past 40 years we have been creating opportunities for people to rehearse, perform, provide backstage support, create, paint, draw, exhibit and showcase how talented they are. Many of our participants have learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health issues, sensory impairment and social disadvantages such as loneliness and isolation.
We pride ourselves on developing creative talents, often with people who have never had that experience before. Quality is paramount with projects fully supported by local theatres and led by professional directors, artists and performers so that participants can grow and develop their skills producing artistic work that they are proud of and want to share with others.
Performances are delivered to large audiences throughout the local area with a special focus on linking with Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools and supporting organisations as well as mainstream services. Audiences consistently reflect on the standard of thought provoking and moving pieces that are both humorous and profound, putting the spotlight on many of the issues that participants face in their lives. Art produced by the Art Group is visible in every performance and on all promotional material.
What RIA participants produce is inspirational and profoundly encouraging, helping others to see their own potential in being part of something that makes a personal difference to them and that brings happiness and reassurance to others.
Our Projects
Partners Theatre Company
Partners Theatre Company (PTC) is a regular weekly drama group hosted at the Wyvern Theatre. Designed for adults with a variety of disabilities and health needs, we work with drama professionals and devise original dramas and performed in a range of public arenas. We also perform an annual two-week tour of local schools, colleges and public venues in the autumn.
Right Time for Art
This art therapy group benefits adults with a diverse range of disabilities and life experiences, meeting weekly at the Wyvern Theatre. The sessions are facilitated by professional artists and cover a broad range of art projects including sketching, painting, clay, collage and jewellery-making. The group regularly exhibits their work and also create logos, programmes and stage sets to support the other RIA projects.
Neon Lights
Neon Lights provides a range of innovative and engaging opportunities for young people aged 16-25, who have disabilities or are experiencing disadvantage, to experience theatre, performance and drama. Weekly sessions are facilitated by professional staff who help young people to develop drama skills, express their creativity and have fun. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to be open to trying new things.
Making it Art
This project takes place annually on the main stage at the Wyvern Theatre for a range of students from local SEN schools and additional needs units within mainstream schools. Weekly workshops facilitated by professional artists, create original drama on subjects that are important to the young people culminating in an engaging, moving and uplifting show, performed to an invited audience including friends, families, peers and local dignitaries.
The Big Hat Cabaret
Our annual fun filled evening of singing, dancing, performing and celebration. A wide variety of vibrant and fully inclusive organisations and groups attend from across Swindon enabling people, most of whom have disabilities, to produce and perform their highly creative work.
Reach Inclusive Arts Launches
Neon Lights Phase 2
Empowering More Young People Through Drama
Building on the success of Neon Lights Phase 1, Neon Lights Phase 2 is a new youth drama group that welcomes participants aged between 16-25 who have disabilities, additional needs and disadvantages.
Starting on 3rd June Neon Lights Phase 2 is designed to complement and expand the established Neon Lights Phase 1 group . Whilst Phase 1 continues to flourish with its commitment to young people developing confidence and exploring drama skills, Phase 2 provides opportunities, for those more experienced in drama, to further develop theatre skills and enhance their creative practice.
‘This next phase is about offering an opportunity to further develop talent by reaching even more young people, who might otherwise find it difficult to access the arts, giving them a platform to thrive’, stated Jeni Burchell – (Operations Manager Reach Inclusive Arts)
The new sessions will be held each week and be led by professional drama practitioners. Participants will have the opportunity to explore acting, movement, devising and performing drama in a supportive and engaging environment.
Neon Lights Phase 2 is currently open for registration and welcomes referrals from individuals, families, schools and support organisations.
Summer Ward and Leah Greenwood, Young Group Leaders, reinforced how beneficial drama is to young people, particularly those with additional needs, ‘We have seen how well participants have responded to drama and how much they have grown through Neon Lights Phase 1. We cannot wait to offer this new opportunity for more young people and experience the positive impact of taking part in drama.’
Sue Welsh, Arts Projects Coordinator for RIA said ‘we are enormously excited to offer this unique opportunity for young people who are passionate about theatre to reach their potential. It has been my privilege to witness the extraordinary creative journeys that young people in Phase 1 have achieved’.
News and Events
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Action fo Brain Injury Week 2025
Research and Development Fund Reach Inclusive Arts (RIA) are delighted to announce that we have investment from Arts Council England to develop the organisation, our projects and infrastructure to enable even more disabled and disadvantaged people to access the arts. This year long project is such an exciting opportunity that will support innovation, explore new opportunities and prepare RIA for the future.
Our Funders
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you! To find out how you can get involved with any of our projects, or if you would like to discuss how you can support Reach Inclusive Arts through volunteering or funding opportunities, please get in touch:
Email:
info@reachinclusivearts.org.uk
Phone:
01793 520318
Location:
Reach Inclusive Arts
Wyvern Theatre
Theatre Square
Swindon
Wiltshire
SNI IQN
Our office is open every Monday and Tuesday (excluding UK bank holidays) from 9:00am-3:30pm
Charity Number: 1116680
Company Number: 5421272