The Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation (CPBF) plans initiatives at the intersection of creativity, inclusivity, and expression. One wonderful example of this organised by the CPB Learning Lab, CPB’s community engagement and inclusivity wing is the Hey! workshop  – a unique initiative designed for disabled and neurodivergent individuals to creatively express themselves.

“At its heart, the idea to work with individuals with challenges and neurodiversity came after discovering a beautiful film festival – The Ability Fest, which used to happen yearly in pre-covid times. The films were focused so much on the ability of a disabled person that it became an urgent need for me to build inclusivity as an action. By using the potential of photography as a medium of self expression, one hopes to understand and slowly create models of learning that work for everyone involved. This was the core premise of the Hey! Workshops where the mentors are learning as much as the participants and the joy of creation is equally shared. In due course, we hope to offer in depth skill development training to individuals who may also wish to take this on as a sustainable career. ” says Shuchi Kapoor, Founder of Hey! Workshops by CPB Learning Lab.

We were thrilled to discover that the Hey! workshops found a delightful use of Art Fervour’s Drip Trip Game, an online game that lets participants create their own psychedelic artwork in seconds. Intrigued, we dug deeper to see how these workshops worked and what their vision was for a more inclusive, creative world. 

_{^{Participants using AF Drip Trip Game}}

What are the Hey! Workshops?

Inclusive and engaging, the Hey! Mobile Photography Workshops are inspired by the friendly and welcoming vibe of the word “Hey!” – a greeting and an invitation to explore. Through these workshops, they provide a space where disabled and neurodivergent individuals can find expression through photography and storytelling. Built around simple, fun photography-based activities, the workshops encourage participants to share their ideas and creativity in a supportive environment, currently taking place at the wonderful Museum of Possibilities in Chennai.

The main goal of the Hey! Workshops are to create a space where the participants feel equal, and feel valued and heard. By using photography-art as a medium, participants can capture their thoughts and unique perspectives of the world and share their narratives with others.

_{^{Inside look at the Hey! Workshops at Chennai Photo Biennale Foundation}}

A Chance Discovery of the AF Drip Trip Game 

The discovery of Art Fervour’s Drip Trip Game was a serendipitous moment for the CPB team. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the game served as an engaging activity for the team, and they soon realised its potential for gamifying workshop activities with its vibrant colours and interactive nature.

In the workshops, the Drip Trip Game serves multiple roles. It acts as an ice breaker, helping participants become more familiar with each other and the workshop mentors and facilitators, who are graduate students volunteering their time to assist each participant during the workshops. Alternatively, it wraps up the sessions, allowing participants to express their feedback creatively through the game. 

We were delighted to hear participants have responded enthusiastically to the Drip Trip Game. They find it intriguing and enjoy the freedom to create psychedelic artwork effortlessly. The game helps them learn key skills such as colour coordination, creativity, and digital art techniques.

_{^{Participants express how they feel through the AF Drip Trip Game}}

More Inclusivity, More Creativity

The CPB Learning Lab has ambitious plans to expand the Hey! Workshops. Currently, they are collaborating with the Museum of Possibilities, an initiative by the Department for the Welfare of the Differently Abled in Chennai. This space serves as a demonstration centre for assistive devices and technology for persons with disabilities. Recently, the CPB team has partnered with Kumaran Special School in Ennore to further broaden their programmes.

Looking ahead, the CPB Learning Lab aims to collaborate with more schools,organisations and corporates that cater to neurodivergent individuals. By expanding its network, it hopes to provide more opportunities for inclusivity in the arts.

Photography is a powerful medium that captures the essence of our diverse world. To truly reflect this diversity, it’s essential to embrace inclusivity, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Inclusion means providing opportunities, support, and a welcoming environment where neurodivergent people can express themselves. 

Through their vision and work, CPB’s message is clear: Photography is a powerful medium that captures the essence of our diverse world. To truly reflect this diversity, it’s essential to embrace inclusivity, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Inclusion means providing opportunities, support, and a welcoming environment where neurodivergent people can express themselves. We couldn’t agree more!

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