Transforming the future for young people
with complex autism
Quarterly Newsletter
February 2024
Building work underway on our
unique arts centre
Work has begun on a one-of-itskind
arts centre to support young
people with complex autism to access
the transformational power of the
performing arts.
The Let Me Shine Performing Arts Centre is beginning
to take shape with works well underway to transform
an existing building at our site.
Once open in the 2024/25 school year, the unique
centre will feature adapted facilities to support young
people with complex autism to access opportunities
in music, dance and drama and the life-enriching
benefits this provides.
Autistic individuals face many barriers to accessing
the arts - from light and noise sensitivities to
understanding of social rules - and one aim of the
centre is to mimic theatre environments to prepare
young people to access arts venues in the community
successfully.
This is in addition to having the opportunity day-today
to express themselves creatively in a dedicated,
bespoke space within our specialist learning and
residential provision, where families can also attend
performances.
Sue Piper, our Director of Learning, said: "It is hugely
exciting to see work to create the centre progressing.
We believe there is nowhere else in the country that
has an arts centre built specifically to meet the needs
of young people with complex autism - this is a
unique project.
"Up to 80% of young people at Prior's Court are nonverbal
or pre-verbal and the arts offer a powerful
means of communicating needs, expressions and
feelings. Being autistic with complex needs should
not be a barrier to access the transformational power
of the arts - whether that is performing on stage,
watching a performance or simply having the space
to explore arts in one's own way.
"A huge thank you to every foundation, trust,
corporate supporter and individual donor who has
played their part in getting the project to this stage."
Our ambition is to also use the centre to research
best practice around providing support to access the
arts, and sharing these learnings with others in the
education and performing arts sectors for the benefit
of people with autism, and their families, across the
country and beyond.
A series of explainer videos about topics such as
making an autism-friendly building, meeting sensory
needs, the green credentials of the build and more
are available on our YouTube channel.
The project is still the subject of an ongoing
fundraising appeal. Find out more at priorscourt.
org.uk/PAC.