Strike A Light – The Art and Science of Occupational Therapy

The first exhibition of its kind in the UK to chart the history, impact and creative power of occupational therapy

Rugby, UK  – opens 14^th April 2026

A landmark new exhibition, Strike A Light – The Art and Science of Occupational Therapy, opens in the First Floor Galleries at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum on 14 April 2026. Funded by and developed with the Elizabeth Casson Trust, and curated by occupational therapists Dr Sophie Knight, (Senior Lecturer Occupational Therapy, University of Worcester) and Jemma Channing (Senior Manager Creative Health and Change, Arts Council England), this is the first time an exhibition has been staged in the UK to chart the history and impact of occupational therapy, celebrating its vital role in helping people of all ages to get on with their lives through creativity, everyday activity and human connection.

Bold, inspiring and deeply moving, Strike A Light brings together art, science, archive material and lived experience to reveal how occupational therapy supports people across a wide range of conditions and life experiences — particularly during times of illness, disease, injury and trauma. At its heart, the exhibition highlights creativity — something that links to all of us — and the everyday activities that give our lives meaning.

Through immersive displays, rare archive material, interactive elements and newly commissioned artwork, the exhibition showcases the breadth and impact of occupational therapy across society. It highlights how occupational therapists support individuals, families and communities to engage in play, learning, creativity, work, relationships and self-care, even when life takes an unexpected turn.

Rather than focusing on what people cannot do, Strike A Light takes a strengths-based approach, celebrating adaptability, possibility and resilience. The exhibition demonstrates how occupational therapy enables people to reconnect with what matters to them, supporting wellbeing, identity and independence at every stage of life.

Designed to resonate far beyond the health sector, Strike A Light welcomes children, families, carers, artists, educators, health professionals and communities, as well as anyone curious about creativity, wellbeing and what it means to live a meaningful life. The exhibition offers hands-on experiences, compelling personal stories and opportunities for reflection, conversation and learning.

One strand of the exhibition explores experiences of dementia, highlighting how creative and meaningful activity can support connection, expression and quality of life. This work has been developed with Jessica Hartshorn, a Midlands-based visual artist and advocate known for her inclusive, participatory and sensory-led practice.

Jessica led a programme of creative workshops with The Good Times, a monthly group at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum that engages adults living with dementia and their carers through creative and reminiscence-based activity. The first session, held on 22 January, invited participants to explore meaningful activities and create layered “book” artworks. These early workshops will feature as part of the exhibition.

Strike A Light is curated by Dr Sophie Knight (University of Worcester) and Jemma Channing (Arts Council England), with creative support from artist Rob Young. Together, the team has shaped an exhibition that is accessible, engaging and emotionally resonant — one that invites curiosity and celebrates the creative potential of everyone in everyday life.

“We’re thrilled to have Jessica join us as we develop this exhibition,” said Jemma Channing, Curator. “Her inclusive approach aligns perfectly with our aim to advance the profession of occupational therapy by demonstrating the power of creative activities in supporting health and wellbeing.”

“Strike A Light is about possibility,” said Dee Christie OBE, Chair, Elizabeth Casson Trust. “Occupational therapy focuses on people’s strengths — what matters to them, what brings them joy and what they can do. This exhibition celebrates creativity and everyday activity as powerful tools for living well and shines a light on the positive impact occupational therapy has on all our lives.”

The exhibition has been shaped through the expertise and generosity of many contributors. The Elizabeth Casson Trust and curatorial team would like to thank Annabel Valentine and Saffron Shore, the Dorset House School of Occupational Therapy archivists at Oxford Brookes University, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), along with other archive and sector partners who have contributed research, materials and expertise.

First revealed at The OT Show 2024, Strike A Light has already generated significant interest for its inspiring, accessible and engaging approach to occupational therapy and creative health.

Strike A Light – The Art and Science of Occupational Therapy opens on 14 April 2026 at The First Floor and Balcony galleries at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, with talks, events and family-friendly activities to be announced in March.