![Tilley, Heart n Soul's Tunnel of Love](http://thesocialissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Tilley-1-copy-680x1024.jpg)
“Flirty, playful love” is not, so the general perception goes, the realm of people who happen to have a learning disability.
But that concept is being turned joyfully on its head via a heart-shaped door, a “tunnel of love”, mirrors, multi-media installations and a healthy dose of cheeky humour on London’s Southbank this summer.
![Wayne, Heart n Soul's Tunnel of Love](http://thesocialissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Wayne-copy1-680x1024.jpg)
The theme of love, as perceived by artists with learning disabilities, is explored in arts organisation Heart n Soul’s latest venture at the Southbank Centre.
I’ve blogged and written articles before about the arts charity’s collaborative, awareness-raising, thought-provoking and frankly bloody good fun events and projects. Its latest move, Tunnel of Love, part of the Southbank’s Festival of Love, gives a conceptual nod and a wink to the fairgrounds of yesteryear – and it is more of the inclusive, stereotype-shattering same stuff that the arts outfit has a reputation for.
According to the London-based organisation, Tunnel of Love “raises a rare opportunity to consider a notion that seems to put society back in the 60’s once again: our attitudes to how people with learning disabilities conduct personal relationships and develop sexual behaviour”.
![The Fish Police perform at a recent gig](http://thesocialissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Fish-Police-gig-pic-583-1024x682.jpg)
On Wednesdays until the end of August, Tunnel of Love will also feature live performance from a host of Heart n Soul artists, there are sessions from the likes of artists like singer Tilley Hughes (pictured) and the project includes the chance to catch three-piece band The Fish Police (pictured). For full information, check the Heart n Soul website.
The festival and related events run until the end of August and the charity’s annual club night multi-media extravaganza, the Beautiful Octopus Club will be back at the Royal Festival Hall on Saturday 6 September for the sixth year running.