What you’ll do

‘Reaching Out’ is a chance for you to think about social touch via a series of events and activities that you can engage with online and in the building.

Pass a hug or say hello in your own way, watch a film and use our creative resource pack PDF 85952kb to explore how you feel about consent, intimacy and connection.

‘Reaching Out’ is part of ‘Feeling Our Way’, a programme of in-person and online encounters and content co-curated by Touretteshero. ‘Feeling Our Way’ centres the experiences of disabled and neurodivergent people.

This visual story for Reaching Out PDF 22007kb explains what to expect from the different events taking place.

We have made plans to keep you safe during your visit. Here are some specific things we are doing for this event:

  • We are repeating the programme in the morning and the afternoon. Mornings at Wellcome Collection are quieter.
  • We will check how many people are in each space and ensure that it doesn’t feel too busy.
  • A printed visual story will be available from the information desk on the ground floor to support you to access the events and activities.
  • Our Visitor Experience team will be available if you have any questions. They will be happy to walk with you to different parts of the building if this is helpful.

You can download an easy read description of this series of events PDF 7699kb.

About your performer

BLINK Dance Theatre logo, a black B with BLINK written inside it on a yellow background.

BLINK Dance Theatre

BLINK Dance Theatre are an “original, inspiring and fresh” neurodiverse group of artists who perform and facilitate together. They create highly accessible multisensory projects in education and community settings and offer training and employment opportunities for artists.

Dates

, —

Events

—

—

  • Performance
  • Relaxed
Consent Robot

Throughout the building

Meet BLINK’s CONSENT ROBOT as they walk around the building. You can watch or use an iPad to suggest new meaningful ways to say “hi” from a social distance which make sense to the robot and to you.
Just turn up

—

—

  • Performance
  • Relaxed
Hug-demic

Throughout the building

Join BLINK in their HUG-DEMIC quest to spread love and warmth to strangers using their oversized tactile (and wipe-clean!) arms to safely pass a hug from one person to the next without actually touching. Your hug will be recorded and published as you help them try and reach their target of 1,000 huggers by the end of 2023.
Just turn up

—

—

  • Workshop
  • Relaxed
Tangled

Reading Room

Join artists from BLINK Dance on a colourful sensory journey. The direction that the performance takes will be shaped by everyone in the audience. You can watch or join in by interacting with BLINK’s specialist stretchy tactile props, which ensure maximum fun and social distancing.
Just turn up

—

  • Screening
  • Relaxed
Blink Film Screening

The Studio

Drop into the Studio to watch a short film about BLINK dance and reflect on your relationship with touch. The film lasts for about 10 minutes and will be played on a loop.
Just turn up

—

  • Chill out
  • Relaxed
Chill-Out Rooms

Viewing Room and Studio breakout room

Any time during the day that you want to find a space away from the programme of activities, you can come to the Chill-Out Rooms to lie down or relax. There will be low lighting, comfortable seating, cushions and mats throughout the room. Make use of ear defenders, earplugs, board games and sensory toys.
Just turn up

Need to know

Location

This is a large-scale event with several different activities. Check specific sub-events for their locations.

Drop in at any time

Just turn up to this event. It’s likely to have room for everyone. If you have any access requests or requirements, email us at access@wellcomecollection.org or call 020 7611 2222.

Relaxed event

This is a relaxed event, which means that if you need to, you are welcome to move around and make noise at any time.

Our event terms and conditions