The Neurodiversity Arts Festival 2024 will be a vibrant celebration of neurodivergent talent, diverse perspectives and creative expression, dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity and providing a platform for neurodivergent artists.
Hosted by The Brain Charity and running from 20th – 29th September 2024, the festival will transform Liverpool into a celebration of creativity.
“We know that 15–20% of the population identify as neurodivergent,” said Festival Organiser, Chris Beaumont at The Brain Charity. “We believe the Neurodiversity Arts Festival will not only shed light on the diverse experiences and talents within this community, but also foster a deeper understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity across society to create lasting change.”
Partnering with renowned institutions such as Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Bluecoat, the Neurodiversity Arts Festival 2024 aims to celebrate and educate, create lasting change by improving accessibility for neurodivergent people, and promote understanding and acceptance.
Festival Highlights:
- Artistic Showcases: New art commissions, theatre performances, musical acts, and cabaret shows, highlighting the rich diversity within the neurodivergent community.
- Educational Workshops and Talks: Sessions aimed at promoting understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity, led by experts and advocates.
- Partnerships with Prestigious Institutions: Collaborative events with Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and the Bluecoat, enhancing the festival’s reach and impact.
Neurodiversity Arts Festival 2024 Programme of Events
Bliss Comedy Night at The Brain Charity (21 September)
Join us for a hilarious evening of neurodiverse comedy with Bliss Comedy at The Brain Charity and get ready to laugh until your sides hurt as our talented bunch of neurodivergent comedians take to the stage. This event promises to be a night filled with joy, humour, and good vibes and will be fully accessible to everyone in the neurodiverse community.
The evening will be hosted by Mary Cross, comedian, writer and podcaster who is looking to create a wonderfully diverse and safe space for everyone to enjoy a night of comedy.
Doors at 7pm, starting at 7.30pm and finishing by 10.30pm with a fully licensed bar.
Find out more & book tickets.
Soap making workshop for 16-24s (21 September)
Getting hands on and making stuff is great for your mental health and helps you explore your own creativity.
Museums provide loads of opportunities for young people to try something new in a beautiful supportive environment.
Make your own personalised soap using the ‘Melt and Pour’ method. Choose the mould(s), colour(s) and decoration(s) yourself and create something unique!
Once the soap’s all set then you can wrap it up and make it a nice present for someone or keep for yourself! This is for 16 – 24 years old.
No previous experience needed and all materials will be provided.
If you will need any additional support or if there is anything we can do to make this session more accessible for you, please get in touch: youngpeople@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk.
Find out more & book tickets.
Big Art for Little Artists: Relaxed Morning at the Walker Art Gallery (22 September)
Big Art for Little Artists is a dedicated children’s gallery at the Walker Art Gallery, designed for children aged 0-5 to enjoy with their parents/grandparents and all carers.
This colourful, interactive gallery hosts costumes, toys, books, games, paintings, sculptures, and objects for children to explore.
The space has a variety of areas for different interests, allowing our youngest visitors to learn through creative play and discovery.
The event will be open all morning for families to come in and out of the space as they please. There will a separate quiet breakout space available as well as extra sensory resources and ear defenders.
Free, just drop in
Big Art Special: Neurodiversity Arts Festival at the Walker Art Gallery (22 September)
As part of Neurodiversity Arts Festival the Walker Art Gallery will be delivering a special, multi-sensory, facilitated Big Art session.
This session will include opportunities for sensory play and movement inspired by paintings and a simple craft that focuses on process rather than product.
The session is aimed at children 0-5 years old, however older children are also welcome to attend with their accompanying adults.
Find out more & book tickets.
Young Blue Room at the Bluecoat ( 24 – 29 September)
Artists from Young Blue Room invite you to discover artwork hidden in the Bluecoat’s secret garden. Inspired by stories from the building’s 300 year history the artists have created a trail of windows through time. Inside, an exhibition uncovers some of the hidden stories of the arts centre.
This event is aimed at families with children, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Free, just turn up.
Neurodiversity in the arts career day at the Walker Art Gallery (25 September)
The Neurodiversity Arts Festival highlights the rich neurodivergent talent in the creative sector, yet open discussions about their unique challenges and opportunities are rare. Partnering with the Walker Art Gallery, we are thrilled to announce a special career day to address this.
Visitors will hear directly from neurodivergent professionals about their career journeys, engage in Q&A sessions, and will be able to take part in tasks and workshops to support participants with identifying their own strengths, and signposting them to useful resources.
This free event is for neurodivergent individuals (diagnosed or self-identifying) including students, young professionals, and career changers interested in creative careers.
The event runs from 10:30am to 4pm, but attendees are welcome to drop in later.
Tickets: Free, but must be booked in advance.
‘Meet the Artist’ at Tate Liverpool (25 September)
Join Tate Liverpool for a panel discussion exploring neurodiversity and its relationship to contemporary art practice. Artists Becky Beasley, Sonia Boué and Pierce Starre will be in conversation with Claire Penketh, Professor of Disability Studies and Art Education at Hope University.
The talk will explore how we can rethink contemporary arts practice in relation to neurodiversity and how the neurodiversity paradigm can inform art and its education.
Find out more & book tickets.
‘Wonder Boy’ at Liverpool Playhouse (25 – 28 September)
Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson (A Monster Calls) directs the critically acclaimed Bristol Old Vic production of WONDER BOY by Ross Willis, a heart-warming and inspiring story about the power of communication.
Sonny is twelve. Living with a stammer, he’s finding his way in a world ruled by vicious vowels, confusing consonants, and let’s not forget the biggest beast of them all – small talk.
Sonny’s only friend is Captain Chatter, a comic book hero of his own creation, but in the real-world language is power and Sonny must find a way to be heard. When cast in the school production of Hamlet by the Headteacher, he finds the real heroes are closer than he thinks.
Packed with playful humour, dazzling visuals and thrilling original music this innovative production includes live creative captioning on stage throughout.
Winner of the 2023 Writers’ Guild Award for Best Play.
For more information on booking in your school group, please contact the Box Office on 0151 709 4776 or email boxoffice@everymanplayhouse.com
Post Show Q&A on Wed 25 Sept plus additional events TBC.
Book Tickets.
RAWD open workshops: Make Your Mark at Museum of Liverpool (25 & 26 September)
The Make Your Mark workshops are an introduction to how art is a form of communication + expression.
These inclusive workshops invite participants to creatively access their neuro diversities.
These workshops are open to people aged 16+ who identify as neurodivergent and will explore avenues of self expression.
The workshops will include discussions, drama activities and collaborative working.
Tickets: Free to attend, bookable through World Museum website soon. You can book on to both workshops if you wish.
‘An evening with Ruby Colley’ at Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room (26 September)
Composer and violinist Ruby Colley discusses her brand-new work Hello Halo – a composition which will premiere at Liverpool Philharmonic on February 3rd 2025 next year – with writer Kirsteen McNish.
Hello Halo, a collaboration with vocal ensemble Exaudi, is based on Ruby’s non-verbal brother Paul’s alternative forms of communication.
Ruby and Kirsteen will reflect on how the outside world connects with those who communicate in different ways to the mainstream.
Following this, Ruby will perform previous compositions inspired by natural environments.
Book Tickets.
Bees: After Hours at the World Museum (27 September)
Especially for families with children aged 7+ who have members with an autism spectrum condition or other conditions which mean they prefer a more relaxed visit, out of hours and with a muted sensory environment.
The museum, will have the team on hand to help out, explain more about this wonderful exhibition and have things to do to support a range of learning needs and preferences.
Tickets: Please email families@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk for booking details.
An evening of comedy from ‘Disabilarity’ at the Brain Charity (28 September)
Join us for an unforgettable evening of comedy and laughter with Disabilarity!
Experience top-notch entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere as talented comedians take the stage to deliver side-splitting performances.
Headlining the night will be Britain’s Got Talent finalist Alex Mitchell.
Find out more & book tickets.
‘The Monster Disco’ family event at The Unity Theatre (28 September)
Come and embrace your inner monster at the MONSTER DISCO! Don’t be afraid, these monsters aren’t scary, they’re just misunderstood and want to party!
Join in, have a dance and a boogie, or just chill and enjoy the vibes, the Monster Disco is for everyone!
The Monster Disco is a 45 minute interactive puppet performance by Headstrung Puppets. Music, dance and puppetry are brought together with accessibility and inclusivity to create a joyous and uplifting family experience.
Book Tickets.
‘The Boy King’ at the World Museum (28 September)
‘I’m Jordan. I’m 28. I’m autistic, and I love history. I’m a tour guide at the museum…but I’m not supposed to be in here…’
On his lunch break, Jordan can’t help sneaking into the museum store room to explore…but it’s not long before he’s carried away on an ancient expedition of immersive storytelling and imagination.
An autobiographical, vibrant and educational one man show celebrating 100 years since the discovery of Tutenkhamun’s Tomb.
Get to know The Boy King, the team who excavated his tomb and Jordan – A boy whose love of history transformed his life growing up with autism.
The show will happen in a darkened environment with some loud noises. Due to the content of the show we recommend audience members are aged 8+.
Find out more & book tickets.
For the Love of Art with Splatter and Stick at Lady Lever Art Gallery (28 September)
Splatter and Stick offers an inclusive environment with the aim to develop a child’s self confidence, natural exploration skills, hand eye co-ordination and manual dexterity through the exploration of arts and crafts with Sensory Play. We aim to create a fun and creative environment that supports families with children who may need additional support.
Tickets cost £2 per child and booking in advance is essential. Tickets will be released 2 weeks before the session.
Helen is very happy to answer and questions or concerns prior to your visit and work with you t o find the best way to support your family. Visit Helen’s Facebook page to find out more.
Tickets: available from 14 September here.
Outside In with Willful Misfits at The Black-E (28 September)
As the independent offering in the wider NDAF (Neurodiversity Arts Festival) in the city, Willful Misfits are showcasing local groups, local talents & local artists.
A reimagined event where neurodivergent people, who are often disenabled from participating in mainstream spaces, can explore & celebrate their creativity & talents, whilst other people can gain valuable insights & understanding about neurodiversity.
The event will provide a variety of creative workshops, performances and discussions. Access to all daytime events will be free for all the family. There will also be an arts & crafts stall to peruse. The evening cabaret will potentially demand participation!
Free, just turn up.
Little Liverpool: Relaxed morning at the Museum of Liverpool (29 September)
These sessions offer the museum’s youngest visitors the chance to enjoy a Little Liverpool session in a supportive environment with reduced ambient sound.
There will be sensory resources and ear defenders available.
These drop-in sessions are for those aged under 6 years and their grown-ups.
Free, just drop in.
A LUSH Liverpool Takeover with Blue Room, inclusive arts at the Bluecoat & friends (29 September)
Join artists from Blue Room, the Bluecoat’s inclusive arts project along with self advocates and allies from Mencap Liverpool & Sefton, Autism Initiatives, Natural Breaks and Options for Supported Living as they takeover the Lush Liverpool store in a celebration of the power of creativity.
Suitable for all ages, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Free, just turn up.
Romeo and Juliet – Shakespeare North Playhouse & Graeae, in association with Theatre by the Lake (13 September – 5 October)
Against all odds, a young couple fall in love. You think you know how this story goes, and who this couple is? Maybe you do… Maybe you don’t…
This beautiful retelling of Shakespeare’s eternal love story seamlessly weaves BSL, Captions and Audio Description into the storytelling. Each show is performed in a relaxed environment and by an incredible ensemble of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent actors.
Find out more & book tickets.
A lens of acceptance: Confronting neurodivergent shame. Photography at The Unity Theatre (3 September – 2 November)
Shame is a hidden burden that many neurodivergent people feel. This can come from ourselves or from others, but hiding imperfections can give shame more power over us. In this photography exhibition, Katie Lee reflects her own moments of shame and instead of hiding them, shows imperfections through each photograph.
Through images that are emotional, beautiful, and captioned with titles that have funny double-meanings, Katie invites people to find beauty, humour, and vulnerability in accepting their own neurodivergent challenges.
Exhibition runs: 3 September – 2 November
Exhibition launch: 19 September, 5:30-8:30pm (open invite)
Talks: Katie Lee will talk about the exhibition and answer questions at 1:30pm on the 28th September at the Unity Theatre.
Free, just drop in.
For more information about The Brain Charity and the Neurodiversity Arts Festival visit thebraincharity.org.uk/neurodiversity-arts-festival
