The Piper Arts Centre at Prior’s Court is believed to be the UK’s first performing arts centre designed specifically for autistic people, including those with complex needs.

Created to remove barriers that autistic young people often face when engaging with the arts, the centre features a carefully adapted environment. Adjustments to lighting, sound, and layout help reduce sensory challenges, while the space itself mirrors a professional theatre - providing a safe, familiar setting where young people can develop confidence, communication, and performance skills.

Take a look inside:

Promoting inclusion 

The Piper Arts Centre is more than a dedicated performance space. It reflects Prior’s Court’s wider vision to lead innovation in how the arts can be made more accessible to autistic individuals with complex needs.

We plan to use the centre to research and share best practice in inclusive arts provision, supporting educators, therapists, and arts professionals to create more welcoming environments across the UK. These insights will be shared through partnerships, events, and sector collaboration.

As part of the centre’s programme, external theatre and performance groups will be invited to Prior’s Court. These visits create powerful shared experiences for autistic young people and their families - opening up opportunities for enjoyment, connection, and creativity.

Watch the performance by young people at the official opening event

A huge thank you to ECP Video for their work on this video project.

Read more about the official opening event of Piper Arts Centre

Thank you for supporting our appeal

Piper Arts Centre was only made possible by more than 150 individual donors, trusts and foundations supporting the fundraising appeal. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make this transformative space a reality.

See what other appeals we have live