The FATHoM Project

FATHoM members facilitate inclusive workshops that are accessible to all abilities and ages. Participants are encouraged to share, develop and communicate through their creative ideas in a supportive environment that aims to challenge and invigorate.

FATHoM can commit to long-term ongoing projects with groups, week long residencies or can offer half or full day taster sessions. The sessions would involve a minimum of two artists, often specialists in different disciplines who will explore creative play through a combination of dance, music, film, storytelling, theatre or voice.

The unique FATHoM approach means that the participants are the drivers behind the projects, thus creating pride and ownership in the work, as the facilitators weave their ideas together through improvised structures. Their strength is in their readiness to adapt and adjust their workshops to the dynamic energy of the group.

'type' workshops

FATHoM always seek integration between their community and education work, and their performance. One of our current performance projects is 'type' which explores laughter and crying, a theme both universal and personal, engaging with the emotions of the audience and performers.

The theme of laughter and crying lends itself to community workshops as it is a theme we can all relate to We are happy to deliver 'type' workshops based on the themes of laughter and crying, capturing participants' stories and placing them within the type technology. These workshops can lead to performance opportunities for those participants, but are equally valid as stand alone sessions.

Teacher training

FATHoM has a wealth of experience of delivering workshops that are inclusive, and have put together training sessions aimed at movement teachers in schools and dance companies. The sessions are tailored to the needs of the teachers, and will help them to draw out the best in all of their participants regardless of their physical ability, and how to structure sessions with mixed abilities to ensure the full involvement of all participants.

Working with schools

Working with community groups

Education and Community History



1st July 2006 Hartlepool Maritime Festival	The group from Warren Road Social Skills Centre performed their piece ‘Live on the Ocean Wave’ alongside FATHoM practitioners on the vehicle deck of Wingfield Paddle Steamer. Later on, a group of teenagers from Catcotes School performed their piece in front of the Community Stage on Maritime Avenue as part of the Tees Valley Dance and FATHoM showcase. This was a new piece which fused choreography and improvisation, devised by the group and FATHoM facilitators.
June 06	FATHoM returned to Kenton Lodge School this term after a successful ten week project earlier in the year. They continued to provide energetic and inclusive workshops with pupils who have behavioural and emotional issues.
June 05 - June 06	Three separate projects working with adults with learning disabilities, teenagers with learning difficulties and school children and under 5`s. Hartlepool Art Centre, Hartlepool. This project culminated in 2 performances at Hartlepol Maritime Festival in July
Jan 06 - June 06	A range of projects, including work with Abbey Hill Special School and Preston Hall Museum in Stockton, which centers around getting people into museums and reponding to exhibitions. This project culminated in a photographic exhibition at Hartlepool Maritime Festival in July
Sept 05 to May 06	Education projects in four Newcastle special schools: Sir Charles Parson, Kenton Lodge Behavioural Referral Unit, Thomas Bewick School and Hadrian School. FATHoM facilitators work with teenagers with behavioural problems, emotional difficulties and young people with autism. These projects were set up by Newcastle City Council sports co-ordinators to encourage young people to take part in physical activity during school time
March 05	Dance and music residency at Collingwood Special School, Morpeth
Feb 05	FATHoM Family Feast - a one day community event to celebrate FATHoM`s first birthday. Dance and music day