Alternative Provision at Liberation Art Gallery
Liberation Gallery has been formally approved as an Alternative Education Provider, recognising the gallery as a safe, structured, and professionally led learning environment outside mainstream education. Through creative, arts-based programmes, we support children and young people who benefit from therapeutic, rational, inclusive approaches to learning, grounded in clinical understanding, safeguarding and wellbeing.
Based in central Brighton, with transport links across the city, Liberation Art Gallery stands as a beacon of creativity, inclusivity and hope. Recognising the unique journeys of young people who may not thrive in mainstream education settings, the gallery has developed an Alternative Education Programme, an innovative initiative designed to nurture the minds and spirits of youth through the transformative power of art. With an emphasis on creative expression, therapeutic support and real-world learning, this programme offers a fresh pathway for young individuals to build confidence, find community and shape their futures.
Programme Overview
At its core, the Alternative Education Programme at Liberation Art Gallery is a holistic educational offer specially tailored for young people aged 12 to 17 who need a different approach to learning.
Whether facing social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges, neurodivergent needs, or barriers to attending traditional schools, this programme provides a supportive, professional and inspiring art space.
What Makes the Programme Unique?
Expert-Led Artistic Mentorship: Each session is led by highly skilled, experienced resident artists whose own work is regularly exhibited in the gallery. This ensures that participants are learning from practitioners deeply immersed in the creative world, receiving hands-on guidance and inspiration as they develop their own artistic voices.
Safeguarding and Therapeutic Support: The team of mentors are trained and supported, holding enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding training and at minimum a degree-level qualification in an art related subject. Their work is overseen and supervised by HCPC- registered art psychotherapists, ensuring that every young person's wellbeing, safety, and mental health are at the forefront of the experience.
Blended Approach to Wellbeing: Unlike traditional art classes, the programme integrates therapeutic techniques, mentoring and artistic growth. This blended model not only nurtures creative talent but also supports emotional expression, regulation and resilience.
Professional Gallery Experience: Students are given the rare opportunity to exhibit their work alongside established artists, engage with the day-to-day operations of the gallery and build a portfolio of original artwork. The real-world skills gained go far beyond the canvas, preparing young people for creative careers, further education, or simply a greater sense of self.
Proven Track Record: Building on the success of the 'Liberation Through Art' project, which was part funded by Arts Council England, the gallery has expanded its offer to serve more young people from across East Sussex, making creative and therapeutic education accessible to those who need it most.
Learning Outcomes and Opportunities
Participants are immersed in a rich curriculum where art is a key part of personal development and future opportunity. Some of the key outcomes and experiences include:
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Creative Confidence and Independence: Through open-ended exploration and project-based learning, students discover new modes of self-expression and build trust in their creative instincts.
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Portfolio Development: As they develop a diverse body of artwork, participants have the chance to compile a portfolio, a valuable asset for applying to further creative studies, apprenticeships, or emerging opportunities in the arts.
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Professional Exhibition Experience: Young artists are supported to prepare, install, and present their work for public viewing and, if they wish, for sale within a professional gallery context.
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Gallery-Based Skills: The programme covers a wide range of practical skills essential for a future in the arts, including:
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Curating and installing exhibitions
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Writing artist statements and art-focused communications
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Gallery hosting, public speaking, and engaging with visitors
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Marketing, design principles, and social media management
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Creative entrepreneurship and the fundamentals of selling artwork
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Who is This Programme For?
This offer is ideally suited to:
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Young people aged 12-17 who are seeking alternatives to mainstream education
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Those experiencing SEMH needs, neurodivergence (such as autism or ADHD), school refusal, or classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)
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Students who benefit from smaller, nurturing settings and a personalised approach to learning
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Families and professionals looking for creative, therapeutic and future-focused education for young people
For more information, book a free initial consultation or to request a referral form, please email mentoring@liberationartgallery.com.
All organisational policies, including safeguarding and behaviour policies, are available on request.