Published on: 20/07/18
Colourscapes are walk-in structures of colour and light – the experience is described as ‘breathtaking’, ‘calming’ and ‘immersive’.
2018 UK Colourscape events took place in Bucks, Birmingham, Sevenoaks, Lewisham, Devon and Winchester – and Bristol, Bath, Clapham and Corby are still to come.
Often these events have sessions for children with special educational needs to experience the benefits of Colourscape. Private events are also held and every Colourscape is fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages.
This week Colourscape was at The Children’s Trust, the UK's leading charity for children with brain injury.
Explaining why the children enjoy this experience, Keren Holding, Leisure and Activities Co-ordinator at The Children's Trust, said: “It’s a fun space with freedom. It’s different and exciting. The music is very sensory and tactile, feeling the vibrations and hearing the echoes.”
Sensory benefits of Colourscape are numerous, including the cause and effect sense.
Keren explained: “In the middle of the dome structure there is a music workshop with all kinds of different instruments. The sounds and echoes are fantastic.”
Speaking on how the lighting works Keren continued: “The children enter and the different pods are different colours. With the natural light shining through, the colours are enhanced and can look different depending on where you stand.
“The colours can enhance a mood/feeling and have an effect on the individual – blue could be calm for some, yellow – exciting, red – a sense of urgency. Each will be different for every child.”
Simon Desorgher, Director, Eye Music Trust (which runs the event), said: “Colourscape is a unique walk-in environment where people can experience intense colour, light and music together.
“People with special educational needs and sensory disability gain particular from the sensations of being completely surrounded by the most intense colour imaginable.
“Add in interactive music with sensory instruments and there is huge benefit gained. As artists we too gain huge knowledge and understanding from working with organisations such as The Children’s Trust.”
If you are unable to make the event you could try and create a light experience at home – perhaps using a colourful parachute to make a tent in the garden and sit under it.
Keren said: “You could also pop up a tent or use a dark room with some coloured lights to make a similar effect. It’s all about colour and light and how it makes you feel and can change your mood.”
