The Art is Home Art Club is an inclusive initiative born from a collaboration between Stichting Art is Home and SportMee. Our mission is to make art and creative expression accessible to children with special needs. Art has the power to foster self-expression, build self-confidence, and nurture essential social and developmental skills, and we believe every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves creatively—no matter their background or circumstances.

This project began after a consultant from SportMEE reached out, looking for an extracurricular art class for one of her clients with access needs. Shocked to learn that such a space didn’t exist, we decided to fill the gap by creating an art club specifically designed for children with special needs. The club offers a welcoming environment where children can explore, create, and connect without barriers.

Many children with disabilities struggle to find creative spaces that cater to their specific needs. In a world where they often have to fight for accommodations and accessibility, we wanted to offer a space where meeting their needs is not a challenge but a given. With the support of our community and professionals in social pedagogical work, we made the decision to create this space ourselves. Initially, we focused on children with access needs, such as those with autism, hearing or vision impairments, or other developmental disabilities. The goal was clear: to provide a place where children feel safe, valued, and free to express themselves.

How it Works

In February 2024, we launched a self-funded pilot at our atelier in Schieblock. Two professional artists facilitate creative workshops for a small group of children, focusing on self-expression and personal growth. The group size is intentionally kept small to ensure personalized attention, and workshops use accessible materials and methods that can be adapted to meet the needs of each child.

Alongside the pilot, SportMEE is working to establish waiting lists in neighborhoods such as Delfshaven and Tarwewijk, where there is a demand for inclusive creative spaces. As feedback from participants and communities comes in, we plan to expand the program to additional locations.

The Impact

From the start, the Art is Home Art Club has provided children with a much-needed space to be themselves, explore art, and connect with others. Parents have expressed their gratitude for the safe, welcoming environment where their children can thrive. The workshops are not just about creating art—they also help children develop valuable life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and fine motor skills.

More than that, the program has a ripple effect: as children gain confidence and discover new ways to communicate and express themselves, their social skills improve and their sense of belonging grows. For children who often feel marginalized, the Art is Home Art Club is a place where they can truly feel seen and heard.

Future Vision

The Art is Home Art Club pilot is only the beginning. With the success of this initial phase, we aim to expand the program to other neighborhoods, offering more children the opportunity to experience the joy of art and creative self-expression. We are committed to keeping this initiative financially accessible, with subsidies and donations helping to reduce costs for families.

Looking ahead, we hope to create a truly inclusive environment by eventually opening the program to children with and without access needs. Our vision is to bring children together—enabling them to learn, create, and grow alongside one another.

Support Our Vision

We are committed to making the Art is Home Art Club a sustainable and scalable initiative that ensures every child can benefit from art. But we can’t do it alone. With your support, we can expand the reach of this initiative and provide even more children with the opportunity to find their voice through creativity.

Whether through donations, grants, or partnerships, your contribution helps make art accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Together, we can make a difference—one creative expression at a time.

Support our crowdfunding campaign and help make art for every child a reality.