--- title: "Common ground arts project" url: "https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/common-ground-arts-project" school: "Hamilton School" --- # Common ground arts project ### **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)**. [YouTube video](https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/gV82ryDP2gQ?rel=0) 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](https://hamiltonschool-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/gfokti_hamilton_bham_sch_uk/Ec9QlgHNRPZNmA-qSvRy5H0B7CqtyWdtv0ByQVZx6-X0PA) 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**. ### Teaching and learning - [Teaching, learning and assessment policy ](https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/teaching-learning-and-assessment-policy) - [Curriculum](https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/our-school/curriculum) - [British values](https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/british-values) - [Secondary school](https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/secondary-school) - [Speech and language therapy](https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/our-school/speech-and-language-therapy) - [Occupational therapy](https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/occupational-therapy) - [Common ground arts project](https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/common-ground-arts-project) - [Open orchestra](https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/open-orchestra) ##### Location Hamilton Road Handsworth Birmingham B21 8AH ##### Contact Us 0121 464 1676 ##### Stay Connected - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HamiltonSch) - [X](https://twitter.com/HamiltonSch) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdnyACV5ag5pGIuVnXcA2CQ) - [Pinterest](https://uk.pinterest.com/hamilton_sch/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hamiltonschoolbrum/) © Copyright 2017–2026 Hamilton School – [View Privacy Notice](https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/gdpr-and-privacy) School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://hamilton.bham.sch.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)