Common Ground Exhibition
The Common Ground Exhibition is an annual celebration of creativity within the Birmingham Special Schools’ Co-operative Trust. Originally launched by Fox Hollies School in 2022 as a standalone arts exhibition, the event expanded in 2023 to include all special schools within the trust, providing an opportunity for students to engage with professional artists and share their creative work with the wider community.
As part of the Common Ground Arts Programme, students take part in artist residencies, designed in collaboration with specialist SEN teachers to ensure artistic experiences are accessible, engaging, and meaningful for every learner. The programme fosters creativity through a student-centred approach, adapting artistic practices to individual needs.
In 2023, Hamilton School collaborated with a Hungarian artist specializing in felting, providing a sensory-rich experience that all students could take part in. Together, they created a hand sculpture, which was later displayed at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC).
In 2024, Hamilton had the opportunity to work with two musicians, guiding a selected group of students in a two-month musical residency. The students created their own music, which was then exhibited at the MAC, allowing them to showcase their creative expression through sound.
Watch a video of our children visiting the exhibition here
Each summer, the Midlands Arts Centre hosts the Common Ground Exhibition, where artwork and creative projects from all seven trust schools are presented to the public. This event not only highlights the artistic achievements of students but also fosters community engagement and increases the visibility of students with special educational needs.
The Common Ground Exhibition is more than just an art display—it is a powerful platform for self-expression, inclusion, and creative exploration, demonstrating the importance of accessibility in the arts and the incredible potential of every student.
What will 2025 bring for the Common Ground Exhibition? We look forward to another year of innovative collaborations, new artistic experiences, and inspiring student creativity.
