About Art for Artists CIC (Afora)
At Art for Artists CIC (Afora), we believe creativity can change lives.
We are a community-led organisation driven by a simple belief: every child and young person deserves access to creative opportunities, regardless of their background, disability, learning needs, health challenges, or circumstances.
We trust in the power of creativity, creative engagement, and visual arts education to build confidence, develop skills, strengthen wellbeing, reduce isolation, and create meaningful connections within communities.
Our work is rooted in the belief that creativity is not a luxury—it is a vital tool for communication, self-expression, learning, belonging, and personal growth.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create safe, inclusive, and welcoming creative spaces where children and young people feel valued, heard, respected, and empowered.
We believe that inclusion is more than simply attending an activity. True inclusion happens when children and young people feel they belong, have a voice, can express themselves freely, and are supported to reach their potential.
Through creativity, we aim to remove barriers, create opportunities, and ensure that every child and young person can participate, achieve, and thrive.
Our Vision
We envision communities where creativity is accessible to everyone and where children and young people are empowered to explore their potential, build confidence, develop friendships, and shape their futures.
We want to see a world where disability, learning differences, mental health challenges, social barriers, or exclusion do not prevent children and young people from accessing meaningful opportunities and experiences.
What We Do
We design and deliver creative programmes, workshops, exhibitions, qualifications, and community projects for children and young people aged 0–25.
Our work particularly supports:
• Children and young people with SEND
• Young people with learning disabilities
• Neurodivergent children and young people
• Children and young people experiencing anxiety or mental health challenges
• Home-educated children and young people
• Young people facing exclusion from education
• Families experiencing isolation or barriers to participation
Using creativity as our tool, we create opportunities for children and young people to connect, communicate, learn, lead, and grow.
Creative Pathways
From early childhood through to adulthood, we provide pathways that encourage creativity, confidence, independence, leadership, and social connection.
Our programmes include:
• Early Years Creative Play
• Children's Art Programmes
• SEND Creative Programmes
• Arts Awards Qualifications
• Portfolio Development
• Creative Leadership Opportunities
• Volunteering and Work Experience
• Community Arts Projects
• Exhibitions and Public Showcases
• Transition into Adulthood Support
We help young people explore their strengths, discover their interests, and make informed choices about their future creative, educational, and employment pathways.
Working Together
We work in partnership with families, schools, charities, community organisations, care providers, libraries, cultural organisations, and our sister organisation, Barkingside Art Club.
Together, we create welcoming, community-focused spaces where children and young people can build confidence, form friendships, develop skills, and feel part of something bigger.
Creativity Creates Change
At Art for Artists CIC, we see creativity as a powerful tool for change.
We believe every child and young person should have access to safe spaces, meaningful opportunities, and creative experiences that help them feel seen, valued, included, and inspired.
Our commitment is simple: to use creativity to build confidence, strengthen communities, champion inclusion, and create positive futures for children and young people.