Rowan

Who we are

Rowan is an arts centre and forest school for adults with learning disabilities.

Since 1984 we have provided a safe, creative, and enriching environment where the arts are used as a tool to bring people together and tackle social exclusion. Rowan is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, for 50 weeks a year. 

Rowan provides a range of creative workshops in: Ceramics, Textiles, Print, Mixed Media, Drama, Music and Woodwork. Students can specialise in one area or join a number of different workshops.

Each workshop is run for 6-10 students per session, enabling students to develop their individual social and communication skills and participate in a stimulating group experience. Workshops can be attended for full or half days to suit each individual.

Students can choose to work on their own personal projects or on Rowan’s commissions.

In 2020 we launched Rowan Rangers, our new forest school which enables students to be creative and connect with nature.

Our culture and values

Vision

We believe in a world where all people with learning disabilities will have access to the creative arts. We seek to promote wellbeing and eliminate social exclusion, isolation and prejudice.

Mission

Using visual and performing arts, Rowan endeavours to provide a safe, creative and enriching environment where adults with learning disabilities, under the direction of artists, craftspeople and volunteers, can grow artistically, as well as in their abilities, confidence and self-esteem – all vital ingredients for independent living, health and wellbeing.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

At Rowan, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion and a culture that actively values difference. We recognise that people from different backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights to the Charity and enhance the way we work. We aim to be an inclusive employer, where diversity is valued, respected and built upon, with the ability to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves, where everyone can be the best they can be, where they feel welcome and free from bias and discrimination.  

You can read our full Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy on our website.