Reframing art as something to be felt, not seen.

Touch was a collaborative art therapy initiative developed with The School for the Visually Impaired in India. The school had never facilitated a tactile art program before, and traditional visual arts activities often left students without an accessible way to express themselves. Early conversations revealed two key challenges. Many students were unsure where to begin, uncertain how to translate imagination into form without visual cues. At the same time, parents and staff were seeking new ways to build confidence, participation, and creative agency. The opportunity was clear: design a tactile-first art experience that encouraged self-expression through touch, rhythm, and movement, proving that art can be felt, not just seen.

We explored materials and techniques that translated texture, pressure, and shape into expressive tools. Custom stencils and patterned templates offered guidance without limiting individuality, giving every student a starting point while preserving creative freedom. Hands-on workshops encouraged experimentation and play, supported by facilitators who adapted activities to each student’s sensory strengths. As confidence grew, hesitation shifted into focus, calm, and collaboration. Throughout the sessions, we documented interactions on film to capture the energy, joy, and nuance of tactile expression. These insights informed a multisensory approach that centred on feeling, rather than seeing.

The students’ work was digitised and transformed into a series of postcards, posters, and merchandise available globally. Sales contributed funding toward new art and sensory programs within the school, enabling ongoing access to creative tools and materials. A short film, produced and directed by AiD, helped raise awareness and served as a key artifact for outreach and fundraising. The impact was both immediate and lasting: AUD $10K raised to support new art and sensory initiatives Parents requested continued participation in tactile workshops Student confidence increased as more learners engaged over time The school adopted ongoing multi sensory art sessions inspired by the program Touch demonstrated that creativity is not limited by sight. Expression can be felt, shaped, and shared through hands, movement, and imagination.