Can a sculpture speak?

What if an artwork could talk back? In this hands-on workshop for children aged 7–13 and an accompanying adult , artist Emma Denby invites you to explore how sculptures might become characters with voices, personalities, and stories to tell.

Together, we’ll use Arduinos, Makey Makeys, and Scratch coding to bring artworks to life — making sounds, sparking playful conversations, and imagining what it would be like to discover an alien form right here on Earth. Emma will share her own sculptures as inspiration, and you’ll have the chance to create your own interactive artworks from provided materials.

Feeling inspired? Bring along your own objects or cardboard boxes to experiment with — This is optional and everything you need will be ready for you.

Emma Denby works in the public realm, collaborating with communities to design playful artworks and environments that inspire curiosity and wonder. In this workshop, she’ll guide you through a joyful blend of creativity, technology, and storytelling — proving that sometimes, art really can speak.

By attending this workshop you are agreeing to act in accordance with our workshop behaviour policy which can be viewed here: https://www.jelly.org.uk/policies

Find us in our next space on the 1st Floor in Broad St Mall. We are the last unit nearest the public toilets.

Inclusivity, safety, respect, confidentiality and consent are fundamental principles at Jelly workshops and events.

Frequently asked questions:

We are a small team working behind the scenes answering your questions. If you email us via eventbrite or via our website we will answer as soon as we can.

Where are you based?

Our studios are located within Broad St Mall. You can find us on the first floor. We are the last unit before the toilets and exit to the carpark. If you get lost please ask any Broad St Mall security guard and they will direct you.

Sometimes our workshops take place in the community. Be sure to check the address on your ticket. When we are out and about in Reading town centre in Forbury Gardens or at festivals we will not know our exact location within the festival site until the day.

If I cannot make my paid workshop, can I transfer my ticket to another event or get a refund?

We are able to offer a refund (minus event brite fees) or transfer your ticket to a future event if you contact us a minimum of 7 days before the event starts. After this time we cannot offer any refunds or transfers. 48 hours before the event you can contact us to enquire about a waiting list and we will endeavour to transfer your ticket.

As a charity we rely on donations and ticket sales to pay our artists and models. We always keep ticket costs to a minimum and when possible offer a limited number of tickets as a ‘pay what you can’ and a donation option if you are able to pay more.

Our free community workshops and festival workshops are often made possible due to funding by the organisers. These workshops are popular and run at capacity. If you have selected a free ticket and are no longer able to attend please return your ticket so it is able to go to people on our waiting list. At busy times there may be a short wait at the workshop table and make sure you allow plenty of time to join us.

H ow can I find out more about Jelly?

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Can I arrive early?

To allow ample time for our workshop host to prepare the space and set everything up, we kindly request that you arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows us to create a welcoming atmosphere and ensure everything is ready for your arrival.