Bridge College learners immersed in the amazing Van Gogh experience

Students at Bridge College had a brilliant opportunity to visit the Van Gogh Live experience at Media City. They followed Van Gogh on a journey through the Netherlands, Arles, Sain Remy and Auvers-sur-Oise, where he created many of his timeless masterpieces. Set to an evocative classical score.

The PMLD (Profound Multiple Learning Disabilities) group attended. It was their first trip out of college since lockdown and they had an amazing time!

Learners were fully immersed in the brilliant multi-sensory experience. The exhibit was a relaxed session and made fully accessible to all. Social stories were provided along with an interpreter and audio describer. The staff welcomed the learners with open arms and didn’t even mind them being a little late.

The learners all interacted with the experience in a different way. 'A' was excited and happy to be somewhere new and was reaching out to interact with the art. 'M' was memorised by the lights and colours. 'B' took it all in his stride and 'J' was so relaxed at the start with the classical music and low lighting he fell asleep! 'J' absolutely loved the sunflower room and 'A' may have taken a part of the exhibition with her!

It was wonderful to see the students interacting with the art and watching their reactions to the music and lights. Everyone had such a great time Team Bridge are already planning their next trip!

Tutor, Helen, said, “I feel really privileged to have shared the Van Gogh Alive exhibition with the students – it really brought the art alive and celebrated the learning we have been doing in sessions.  To see the delight, fascination and engagement of the students were fantastic.”

Big thanks to Helen Hobart, Chloe Havern, Vicky Carruthers, Julie Sarcevic, Sarah Brougham, Julie Fitzmaurice, Lindsey Smith and all the PMLD team we couldn’t bring this time!