New artwork unveiled at Sheffield station that explores travelling with a hidden disability

East Midlands Railway (EMR), which is operated by Transport UK, and the ArtWorks Together Festival have teamed up to unveil a new piece of artwork called Looking Out of the Window at Sheffield station, which explores travel from a neurodivergent perspective.

ArtWorks Together is an international festival celebrating the creativity of adult artists who have a learning disability, are autistic, or both, and takes place from 24 January to 15 June 2026.

The artwork has been created by Sheffield resident Jodie Cooper, whose embroidered and watercolour tapestry is on display near the main stairs next to Platform 1.

Jodie’s commission explores the theme “looking out of a window”, drawing on her personal experiences of travelling and the coping mechanisms she uses to make journeys more comfortable and accessible. Her immersive tapestry blends textiles, embroidery and watercolour techniques to offer a sensory interpretation of travel from a neurodivergent perspective.

She said: “Being a person with autism, sometimes creative opportunities are not fully accessible, and I thought this was a great opportunity I would love to be involved in. I really took into consideration the placement of the piece within the train station and wanted to highlight travel from a neurodivergent perspective.

“My aim for the piece was not only to make a beautiful tapestry, but also to use texture to create a sensory experience that you just can’t get from pen and paper.”

Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “This artwork is a great way to communicate a complex issue in an engaging way, and I’m sure it will stop many customers in their tracks as they pass through the station.

“We would like to thank Jodie and ArtWorks Together for creating such a beautiful piece of work and for helping to share an important perspective.”

Kayleigh Cruickshank, Director at ArtWorks South Yorkshire, said: “EMR has demonstrated a genuine commitment to inclusion by creating space for disabled artists within one of Sheffield’s most visible public settings.

“We are proud to work in partnership with an organisation that understands access as more than infrastructure, but as an active choice to support representation and opportunity.

“This commission reflects a shared belief that cultural spaces should be open, ambitious and reflective of the communities they serve. Through ArtWorks Together, adult artists who have a learning disability, are autistic, or both are presented on a professional platform, supporting long-term change in how disability, creativity and public space are understood. We are so excited to share Jodie Cooper’s work.”

The piece will be accompanied by accessible interpretation materials, including Easy Read formats and audio descriptions, ensuring the work can be appreciated by the widest possible audience.