What to expect from the conference
We will:

Explore what the future of sensory practice and interventions could be like. How can we use the buildings and architecture as well as collections to aid this practice?
Stretch our thinking on collaboration to diversify work practices. Are we able to contribute to social mobility and employability for SEND groups?
Challenge how we use music and movement for meaningful learning. Where are our senses taking us?
Join us for a day of inspiring keynote speakers, presentations and workshops. Attendees will have a chance to network with other museum professionals, share practice, and be inspired by the work of others in the field.

Attendees will hear from experienced professionals including keynote speeches from renowned Joanna Grace, a sensory and inclusion professional with decades of experience, and Matt + Fiona, award-winning architects sharing practice working with SEND young people. Further speakers will contribute to conversations around employability, movement and somatic practice in the classroom, and a creative sensory practice. These speakers will be confirmed closer to the event date.

As well as the keynote speeches, there will be a series of presentations and workshops to choose from, and a break for lunch. More speakers will be announced nearer to the time.

Keynote speeches

Sensory vs SENSORY – what is hidden in our sensory landscape?

Joanna Grace will dive into the importance of the role of museums and galleries to support and inspire SEND learning, and the future of how we learn through our senses. How are sensory experiences truly meaningful rather than tokenistic? And why are we doing this work anyway? Joanna’s broad experience will also inspire conversation about how society as a whole can work inclusively as a place for all.

Challenging the potential of SEND students role in their built environment

Award winning Architects MATT+FIONA will explore their recent project with Phoenix School, a school for children with Autism in Bow, London in which they supported their students to build a place of familiarity during their school move. How can the built environment and design process support students learning? How do we harness their perspective and sensory processing to create something of value? Through a keynote and large scale playful installation, MATT+FIONA will take your though their learnings, potentials of cross industry collaborations and encourage you to find inspiration for your own sessions.

Speakers

Joanna Grace is sensory and inclusion expert and the founder of The Sensory Projects. Joanna has wide-reaching experience as an author, writer, Tedx speaker, trainer and educator, of children an adults of wide ranging abilities. Alongside the practicalities, Joanna also consults on ensuring practice and workplaces are inclusive and has dedicated her professional and personal life to supporting those with neurodiverse conditions and profound disabilities.

MATT+FIONA is a collaborative venture between architect Matthew Springett and educator Fiona MacDonald, who ask young people how their built environment can be improved and empower them to bring that vision to life. Each project has a clear pathway: briefing, design and build, with the children and young people at the centre of every stage.