Dr. Khawla Almarri is an Emirati cultural researcher and museologist. Her academic interests include the history of the Arabian Gulf and its cultural heritage and identity.
Inclusion brings richness and vitality to our communities. It embraces individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, including those with diverse learning styles, sensory sensitivities, and developmental differences, ensuring that every voice is recognized and valued.
Children on the autism spectrum develop unique ways of communicating, learning, and perceiving the world. These differences should not be regarded as deficits or conditions to be corrected; rather, they reflect the rich diversity of human experience and understanding.
Al Ain Museum is an institution that is committed to creating an educational experience that is truly accessible and meaningful for everyone, with a dedicated focus on children and young adults on the autism spectrum. The museum strives to be a welcoming social space where neurodiversity is embraced, sensory needs are respected, and every individual feels valued, understood, and empowered to engage in their own way.
While focusing and researching on diversity and inclusion, Al Ain Museum developed “Artism”, an innovative museum-based learning practice that explores and enhances the educational experiences of autistic children and young adults within inclusive museum environments. Rooted in research and accessibility, the approach aims to transform museums into supportive, responsive spaces by improving usability, developing adaptive learning strategies, and introducing tailored guidance for diverse audiences.
At its core, “Artism” emphasises sensory-based engagement, enabling participants to connect with museum content through carefully designed, hands-on activities that help reduce sensory overload and anxiety. By prioritizing comfort, predictability, and meaningful interaction, the practice redefines informal learning in museums to be more inclusive and empowering. Through this initiative, Al Ain Museum is committed to integrating autism-informed methodologies into its educational programming, particularly through art therapy-based activities such as painting and sculpting. These activities are designed not only to foster creative expression but also to support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and encourage positive social interaction. By adopting this approach, the museum positions itself as an inclusive learning space that nurtures wellbeing while advancing accessible cultural education.
Children on the autism spectrum develop unique ways of communicating, learning, and perceiving the world. These differences should not be regarded as deficits or conditions to be corrected; rather, they reflect the rich diversity of human experience and understanding.
The “Artism” project proposes the delivery of a structured and adaptable programme of sensory workshops designed to accommodate participants’ individual sensory preferences, communication approaches, learning needs, and levels of comfort. In addition to painting and sculpting, the proposed programme will incorporate tactile exploration using clay, textiles, and natural materials; guided activities involving colour, light, and shadow; sound and rhythm sessions using gentle musical instruments; movement-based experiences; sensory storytelling supported by objects, images, and scents; and calming creative practices, including collage, pattern-making, and mindful mark-making.
Where appropriate, workshop content will be informed by museum collections and local heritage, enabling participants to engage with cultural themes through touch, sight, sound, and movement. Each workshop will follow a clear and predictable structure, supported by visual guidance, flexible pacing, planned quiet breaks, and options for individual or collaborative participation. Through this multisensory and participant-centred approach, the project aims to promote sensory regulation, communication, confidence, curiosity, creative expression, and positive social engagement, while ensuring that each participant can access and benefit from the programme in a safe, supportive, and meaningful manner.
Museums are community anchors, they are for everyone.