The Old School House Boscombe is hosting ‘This is us’, an exhibition of work by artists from Make Art: Bournemouth, a monthly art group run by national charity Outside In. The exhibition will run from 3rd August to 17th September 2026.

What does it mean to make art in the world today? To closely observe the living world around us, to reflect on a society that often feels bent on division, where creativity frequently seems a ‘nice to have’ rather than a human right. ‘This is us’ presents work by eleven artists asserting their identities as creators and celebrating belonging and community, whilst exploring what it means to be an artist in today’s world.

Works include a digital piece by Phoenix Rises Artwork celebrating trans joy and belonging. A watercolour by Marisa Mann expresses the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people caught in the middle of a conflict between world leaders. Margaret Lewis, an artist living with a visual impairment, uses string to create shapes and then feels where to apply the paint. Her piece ‘Spring’ shows a garden coming to life.

Exhibiting artists
AE Simcock, Alfie White-Starke, Berni Vincent, Elisabetta Noto, Heather Picken, Helena Yasmin, Margaret Lewis, Marisa Mann, PhilJ, Phoenix Rises Artwork, Roger Strong.

The exhibition will be audio described, with a QR code next to each piece so visitors can listen to a description, some by the artists themselves.

Exhibition dates: 3rd August – 17th September
Opening dates: 3 August 10am - 2pm
7, 12, 14, 19, 21 August, 11am - 3pm
22 August, 1pm - 4pm
26, 28 August, 11am - 3pm
4, 11 September, 11am - 3pm
Location: The Old School House Boscombe, Gladstone Mews, Gladstone Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH7 6BG
Admission: Free

Further information:
Beth Hopkins / beth.hopkins@outsidein.org.uk / 07931 516 038
Outside In: outsidein.org.uk | Instagram | Facebook

About Make Art: Bournemouth
Make Art: Bournemouth is a monthly art group at the Old School House Boscombe for artists who face barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance or isolation. Visit outsidein.org.uk/event-listings to find out more and book your place to come along.

Berni Vincent, an exhibiting artist, says: ‘Make Art Bournemouth has been my creative home and true community for 3 years. This has changed everything. I have learned much from the creative input of other artists. This has helped motivate me to make art every day. Before finding this creative space, I had d a strong desire to learn art but had difficulty in finding an accessible environment that worked with the barriers I face as a disabled person... ‘This is us’- a celebration of community and belonging. True belonging cannot exist without true inclusion.

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About Outside In:
Outside In provides a platform for artists who encounter significant barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance, or isolation. It provides three programmes of activity: artist development, exhibitions, and training. Founded in 2006, Outside In is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Website: outsidein.org.uk
Instagram: @outsidein_uk

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About BEAF:
BEAF is rooted in Boscombe: home to a diverse and creative community located on
the south coast of England. BEAF creates the space and resources to support
community programmes and nurture artists who may have experienced barriers to
accessing creativity and education. We provide artist studios, exhibition spaces and
professional development programmes, helping to build a resilient creative sector as
well as supporting the growth of the skills and talents of our community.
Website: gotbeaf.co.uk / toshspace.co.uk
Instagram: @gotbeaf