This New Ground
Art and music can often feel inaccessible to people who have a learning disability. This New Ground is helping to change that.
While This New Ground originally started as a choir, it has since grown into a community interest community (CIC) delivering a diverse and ambitious programme of creative engagement – elevating the voices and artistic talents of people who are neurodivergent or who have a learning disability.
The CIC is headed by co-founders Lucy Groenewoud and Nathalie Russell-Clarke. It has two hubs, one in London and one in Portsmouth. Lucy explains, “Nathalie started the choir because she recognised there was a real gap in provision for adults over 25 who have a learning disability. Over the years, this has developed into a thriving creative hub. More recently, we have gone on to open an art studio in the Creighton Centre.”

Changing perceptions
Lucy shares, “There’s a long-standing perception that art created by people with a learning disability belongs in community centres. It’s often seen as craft, not art. But thankfully, things are changing. Slowly but surely, cultural perceptions are shifting, and the arts sector is beginning to recognise the value, depth and complexity of work by neurodivergent artists and artists with a learning disability.
“A powerful example is Nnena Kalu, a phenomenal artist with a learning disability, who has just been nominated for the Turner Prize – one of the most prestigious awards in contemporary art. Her recognition marks an important moment of visibility and validation for many others still fighting to be seen.
“We’re working to challenge outdated and negative perceptions around learning disability and creativity. Our goal is to get the work made by artists in This New Ground seen, valued and celebrated by wider audiences.
“One exciting step in that journey is our new partnership with Lush, who are transforming artwork by some of our artists into beautiful Knot Wraps and greetings cards. For the artists, it’s more than just visibility – it’s the powerful realisation that, ‘Actually, this is something I could have a career in.’ It’s about recognition, opportunity and a sense of real creative ownership.”
Offering paid work opportunities
Research by Mencap shows that just 26.7% of people with a learning disability are currently in paid employment. This New Ground is able to offer two avenues for paid work. Firstly, it helps artists to sell their work. Secondly, it hires them to support businesses who want to make their communications more accessible.
Lucy says, “We believe in the voices and the talents of people with a learning disability and of those who are neurodivergent. For us, it’s really important that people have the opportunity to experience paid work and being in a workplace.”
Tackling isolation

Along with creativity and employment skills, there are many other benefits felt by This New Ground participants. Lucy says, “Isolation is a really big factor for a lot of the people we work with. A lot of them don’t have support, they live independently and they aren’t working, so our sessions are a social lifeline where they can develop relationships. Singing and creating art also increases confidence and gives people a real sense of achievement. Creative spaces like ours offer community, expression and connection in ways that are truly transformative.”
Martin, a participant at This New Ground’s art group, says, “It’s about getting out and about and meeting new people and being artistic. I didn’t think I had any art skills, but clearly I do, and I have grown to enjoy art.”
Platforming people with lived experience
Lucy and Nathalie want to ensure that people with a learning disability can help to guide and steer the CIC. Lucy shares, “We’re working to diversify our leadership and have people with lived experience on our leadership team.”
The Hammersmith choir is now peer-led, with a keyboardist and drama facilitator on hand to offer support.
Hammersmith United Charities’ support
“Quite often people will come in and say they don’t have enough money to buy food,” says Lucy. The Creighton Centre has been able to organise food vouchers, and Hammersmith United Charities has provided This New Ground with a grant to help cover running costs.
Thanks to grant funding and volunteer support, the CIC is able to keep the art club and choir free for participants. At a time when many are facing deep financial hardship, this means access to creativity, connection and community remains open to everyone.
Lucy says, “We’re incredibly grateful for the funding we receive; we wouldn’t be able to operate without it. It enables the whole group to take part in a vital weekly social activity – something that makes a real difference to people’s lives.”
Get involved
This New Ground activities are held at the Creighton Centre, 378 Lillie Road, London SW6 7PH.
TNG Studio: Open Tuesdays, please email lucy@thisnewground.com if you’d like to join a supported studio session.
Art group: Tuesdays, 1–2.30pm
Singing group: Tuesdays, 3–4pm
The groups are free to attend. Please email lucy@thisnewground.com if you’d like to join.
Work by This New Ground artists is being exhibited at Sands End Arts & Community Centre until 31st July 2025.