Turning the Tide – a story of creativity and inclusion
Come and see the incredible artwork created by our DFN Project SEARCH interns at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, developed through a series of creative workshops led by Turner Prize‑nominated artist Catherine Yass.
The Turning the Tide project culminates in a landmark film installation featuring disabled young performers, projected across the Thames onto the disused Blackfriars Railway Bridge columns.
Catherine played a central role in ‘Turning the Tide’, a major cultural engagement programme celebrating D/deaf and disabled people through collaborative art, film and public installation. Drawing on her lived experience as a parent of a disabled child, Catherine brings sensitivity, insight and creativity to every part of the project.
Involving our Interns
As part of this project, Catherine worked closely with our young DFN Project SEARCH Interns, creating a dedicated space for them to explore their relationship with the River Thames.
They produced detailed drawings, projections and collages, expressing imaginative and metaphorical ideas about water, movement and transformation. One intern described moments where “everything seemed absolutely wonderful and magical,” capturing the joy and freedom the workshops offered.
Turning the tide - watch the short film here
DFN Project SEARCH is a supported employment programme that prepares young adults with learning disabilities, autism and/or sensory impairments for paid work. At Barts Health we proudly support this programme at four of our hospitals, including St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Don’t miss it
The installation can be seen from 17 - 20 September 20:00 to 22:30 from Blackfriars Bridge, SE1.
Turning the Tide celebrates our students, our staff and the power of inclusive creativity to reshape who is seen, heard and valued in our city and everyone is welcome!