Project Art Works is an artist-led organisation, based in Hastings, East Sussex, that creates opportunities for young people and adults, who have complex needs, to communicate and express themselves through art. Our pioneering approach to art, disability and, strategic partnerships with agencies involved in the lives of people with complex needs, is unique within the UK.

Relatively few people in our society encounter people with complex needs. As a result, it is an area of disability that is rarely represented and commonly misunderstood.

Project Art Works believes that people, whatever their sensory, physical or cognitive ability, have strong and vital qualities which are a reflection of their individuality and existence. It is these qualities that we try to explore, enhance and make visible through art. The art created through our projects demonstrates the enabling power and impact of high quality and appropriate creative opportunities. Whilst being fully inclusive, our priority as an organisation is to try to facilitate and promote art of the highest quality.

We believe in working with artists (disabled and non-disabled) who are skilled professionals and who have specialist knowledge of a wide range of materials, techniques and processes. We utilise materials and methods that are directly expressive of form, movement, gesture and ideas including: drawing, photography, video, painting, light and sound projections, casting and printmaking.

The young people and adults we work with often have multiple impairments and require support in all areas of their lives.   They are traditionally excluded from arts projects and are rarely involved in decision-making about their lives. We aim to develop projects that support people with severe learning disabilities to "speak up" for themselves, expressing opinions and ideas; making informed decisions and choices through a rich variety of creative media.

In helping to develop self-determination in people with learning disabilities, we encourage them to exercise their learning in other settings influencing peers, support workers and the culture of their care and educational provision.

We exhibit in mainstream galleries and public venues showing and celebrating the work of learning disabled artists. Through our high quality programme of publications, films and exhibitions we seek to foster understanding and tolerance of difference through art.