Film Featuring Fulham Arts Group Shortlisted for National Award
This New Ground supports artists with learning disabilities
Artist Kelly with her print of her cat Andre which features in This New Ground’s new film
March 16, 2026
Fulham-based arts organisation that champions the creative talents of people with learning disabilities has been named a finalist in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026, one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of charity storytelling.
This New Ground (TNG), which operates from the Creighton Centre on Lillie Road, has been shortlisted in the Under £100,000 turnover category for its new film See Our Art, Hear Our Voice. The short documentary follows two of the organisation’s artists, Kelly and Labake, offering a look at their creative processes and the role art plays in their lives.
The film was funded by Hammersmith United Charities and produced by London filmmaker Chris Payne of Constellation Films. As a gesture of thanks, TNG artists are donating original artworks to be displayed in the charity’s sheltered housing schemes across Hammersmith.
The Smiley Charity Film Awards — known as The Smileys — recognise films that have moved, inspired or entertained audiences over the past year. Finalists were selected through a public vote, and the winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, with results announced in late April. TNG is also in the running for the People’s Choice Award, which is decided entirely by public votes.
Lucy Groenewoud, co-director of This New Ground, said the recognition reflects the strength of the organisation’s community adding, “We’re so excited to be finalists and thrilled that so many people voted for our new film, which really captures the heart of what TNG does in helping to elevate the voices and talents of artists with a learning disability.”
Artist Labake Anisere, whose story features in the film, said the project has helped her grow in confidence.
“This New Ground has helped me find my confidence. I use my art to celebrate who I am. It would mean the world to all the TNG artists if people could show their support once again and vote for us to win the People’s Choice Award.”
The film will be screened publicly at Riverside Studios on 17 March, as part of a showcase organised by Hammersmith United Charities in partnership with Media Trust. It will be shown alongside films from other local groups supported by the charity, including Barons Court Project, Nourish Hub, Sulgrave Club and Hikayetna.
Founded a decade ago, This New Ground is a community arts organisation dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities to develop and share their creative work. Based in Hammersmith & Fulham, the group runs workshops, exhibitions, performances and collaborative projects that place learning-disabled artists at the centre of the creative process.
TNG’s approach focuses on long-term artistic development, co-creation and visibility. Its members have exhibited work locally and nationally, and the organisation has become a key part of the borough’s cultural landscape, offering a platform for artists who are often underrepresented in the arts sector.
Four TNG artists currently have work on display at the Artworks Together International Festival in Sheffield, which showcases the talents of learning-disabled and autistic artists. The exhibition runs at the Millennium Gallery until the end of May.
Residents can watch and vote for See Our Art, Hear Our Voice via the Smiley Charity Film Awards website. Winners in each category will receive £3,000 to support their ongoing work.
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