Two Weeks to Go: Strike A Light – The Art and Science of Occupational Therapy

There are just 2 weeks to go until the opening of “Strike A Light: The Art and Science of Occupational Therapy,” and the excitement is building with every passing day!

One of the most anticipated elements of the exhibition is nearly ready. A weaving wall that was commissioned just for this exhibition is nearing completion, and it is shaping up to be everything we hoped for; an interactive and tangible symbol of the creativity and care at the heart of occupational therapy. We can’t wait for visitors to experience it in person and have a go at weaving, with the recycled fabrics we’ll be providing.

We have also been spending time this week thinking carefully about how best to display Common Threads, the remarkable collaborative artwork created at The OT Show 2025. Ninety-six occupational therapists, students and supporters contributed to that piece, each bringing their own perspective, and sharing their own story with us as they participated. We are exploring display options that allow the work to breathe and be seen as what it truly is: a collective act of creativity from a whole community.

Alongside this, we have been thinking about how to present the Soul Paint artwork within the exhibition space. Soul Paint uses virtual reality to invite people to explore their inner emotional world through art-making and finding the right way to bring that into the exhibition is something we are approaching with real care, in collaboration with Sarah Ticho the creator of Soul Paint, recently back from exhibiting it at The Lincoln Centre in New York. It is a reminder that the story of occupational therapy and creative health is not historical; it is being written right now, through innovation, technology and the shared belief that creativity is a powerful tool for understanding our health.

Behind the scenes, we have also been in conversation with the contributing artists and practitioners whose work features in the exhibition. Agreeing on the final text is always a thoughtful process (and takes longer than you might think!) It means listening carefully and ensuring that each voice is represented with accuracy and care. These conversations have been a reminder of the depth of expertise, passion and personal experience that this exhibition holds.

Just two weeks from now, the doors open on the first UK exhibition of its kind, tracking the history, creativity and breadth of the occupational therapy profession. We’ll keep sharing updates as we reach the final countdown, follow along and let us know what you’re most looking forward to seeing!