'Inclusive Art Activities Using the Pattern Play Collaborative Process' over the Enhancing Voices artwork in warm colours, created at a state-wide conference by 96 members of Our Voice SA.

Inclusive Art Activities Using the Pattern Play Collaborative Process

Detail of Myriad collaborative artwork in warm colours over a blue base, created by a mixed age and ability group of 80 people at an art exhibition.
Inclusive Art Activities: ‘Myriad in Harmony’
Enhancing Voices collaborative artwork in warm colours, created by 96 staff and members of Our Voice SA at a state-wide conference.
Inclusive Art Activities: ‘Enhancing Voices’
Sensory Garden Mural with layered colours, created by 100 staff and students at a specialist school.
Inclusive Art Activities: ‘Sensory Garden Mural’

Inclusive Art Activities Using the Pattern Play Collaborative Process

A simple, joyful way to create art together—no experience needed.

Inclusive art is at the heart of everything I share through Painting Around. My Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach makes it easy for groups of all ages and abilities to paint together—no pressure, no perfection, just connection through creativity.

Sensory Garden Mural with layered colours, created by 100 staff and students at a specialist school.
Inclusive Art Activities: ‘Suneden Sensory Garden Mural’

3 simple stages guide your spontaneous creativity with ease:

The Pattern Play process flows through three flexible stages: Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. First, everyone adds big playful marks. Then we slow down to layer shapes and patterns. Finally, we add highlights, shine, and finishing touches. This way of painting keeps things inclusive, intuitive, and fun from start to finish.

All the artworks featured on this page were created through inclusive art activities with mixed-ability groups—children and adults living with intellectual or physical disabilities. These projects show that with the right strategies, techniques, and inclusive approaches, disability is not a barrier to creativity—it’s simply a different way of engaging. Inclusive art activities like these allow people to create together, learning through observation, demonstration, and modelling. This shared process builds confidence, skills, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Enhancing Voices collaborative artwork in warm colours, created by 96 staff and members of Our Voice SA at a state-wide conference.
Inclusive Art Activities: ‘Enhancing Voices’

Want to try it yourself? Download the Beginner’s Guide to Collaborative Art: The Pattern Play Way or head to the homepage to discover more about this easy, expressive group art style. Download the Beginner’s Guide to Collaborative Art or visit my About page for more information on the origin of this Pattern Play Collaborative Art Process.

Detail of Myriad collaborative artwork in warm colours over a blue base, created by a mixed age and ability group of 80 people at an art exhibition.
Inclusive Art Activities: ‘Myriad in Harmony’ (detail)

Ready to get started and create your first inclusive art project?

Whether you’re a teacher, a facilitator, or simply someone who loves the idea of bringing people together through art, I’ve got everything you need to start:

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