From Artist to Facilitator: Hisba's 15-Year Journey at Artbox

Hisba leading a collage workshop

Supporting studio assistant Toyin to measure and describe artwork.

For 15 years, Hisba has been part of the Artbox community. Over that time, she has grown not only as an artist, but also as a volunteer, mentor and facilitator.

Like many artists, her journey began with developing her creative practice. Over the years, she celebrated milestones including selling her first artwork, exhibiting her work publicly and building the confidence to share her ideas with others. Alongside her artistic development, she has maintained long-term employment and taken on increasing responsibility within the Artbox studio.

Today, Hisba regularly volunteers during sessions, supports fellow artists and co-facilitates workshops with external groups. She has often told staff that her dream is to become an art facilitator, and each new opportunity brings her closer to that goal.

Recently, a Youth Group for autistic teens and under 20s asked if they could come to the studio for a co-facilitated workshop. We agreed, and a facilitator asked Hisba if she would co-facilitate the workshop. She eagerly said yes - saying she was an ‘expert’ and would love to. 

Hisba sorting through past works as inspiration for a workshop.

As introductions went around the room on the day of the workshop, she immediately put people at ease. During the collage activity she shared examples, encouraged experimentation and checked in with participants throughout the session. By the end of the workshop she was visibly proud of what the group had achieved, telling us she had loved "inspiring" the young artists. This is what 15 years of confidence, experience and leadership looks like in practice.

What struck us was that the learning flowed in both directions. While the younger participants benefited from her encouragement and experience, she also seemed energised by their confidence and openness. The young artists stimmed, interacted and expressed themselves freely, and there was a sense of ease in the room that felt important. For many neurodivergent people, finding spaces where they do not feel pressure to mask aspects of themselves can be transformative. Watching different generations come together in a creative environment reminded us how much we can learn from one another when people feel safe to express themselves authentically.

Hisba co-faciliating a workshop at the Francis Crick Institute

Research into intergenerational projects supports what we regularly observe at Artbox. Bringing different generations together can foster meaningful relationships, increase confidence and create a stronger sense of purpose and belonging. Young people benefit from mentorship and connection, while older participants gain opportunities to share skills, knowledge and experience.

We see these benefits in real time when our older artists mentor younger artists. The long term effects of meaningful relationships and lasting sense of purpose helps participants become more resilient in the face of mental health struggles.

Watching Hisba lead the workshop reminded us how important it is that artists with learning disabilities are recognised not only for the artwork they create, but for the knowledge, experience and leadership they bring to their communities. Her journey from artist, to volunteer, to facilitator demonstrates what can happen when people are given opportunities to develop skills, take on responsibility and be seen as creative professionals.

Sharing her artwork and process with others at our Whitecross Street Gallery

In recent years, Hisba has also taken on paid facilitation opportunities, including delivering creative workshops in companies, organisations and hospital settings. These opportunities recognise the skills, experience and professionalism she has developed through years of creative practice and community participation.

Hisba and Jamal visiting the Wimbledon Art Fair, 2026

As Artbox celebrates its 15th year, Hisba's story is also a reminder of the value of long-term investment in people. Confidence, leadership and professional skills do not develop overnight. They grow through relationships, opportunities and the chance to be recognised for what you can contribute.

Get in touch if you are interested in our co-facilitated workshops for your company, school or oganisation or click below for more information: