The Brain Charity’s Neurodiversity Arts Festival 2024: a celebration of inclusivity
Hundreds of people attended dozens of events happening over 10 days
The Neurodiversity Arts Festival 2024 wrapped up after a brilliant 10 days filling Liverpool with the vibrant creativity of neurodivergent artists. Held from September 20th to 29th, the festival turned the city into a lively celebration of diversity, spotlighting the rich talent within the neurodivergent community. With hundreds attending across 13 different venues, the festival firmly planted neurodivergent voices at the heart of Liverpool’s thriving cultural scene.
A vibrant display of neurodivergent talent
The festival boasted an incredible line-up, featuring everything from art exhibitions and theatre to music and comedy. Some highlights included the Bliss and Diversibility Comedy Nights at The Brain Charity, where neurodivergent comedians brought the house down with laughter. Another standout was The Boy King, a stirring theatre performance at the World Museum, and the Young Blue Room art project at The Bluecoat, which gave young neurodivergent artists a space to shine and share their creativity.
a boy whose love of history transformed his life
growing up with autism
Partnerships elevating neurodiversity in the arts
at our opening night
The festival’s success was due in large part to the invaluable support from some of Liverpool’s most respected cultural institutions. Collaborations with National Museums Liverpool, The Bluecoat, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic helped extend the festival’s reach, providing prestigious platforms for neurodivergent talent. These partnerships turned the entire city into a showcase for neurodivergent creativity, all while promoting a deeper understanding of neurodiversity in the arts.
Raising awareness and enhancing accessibility
The Neurodiversity Arts Festival wasn’t just about celebrating artistic talent—it was also a platform for education and inclusivity. Through workshops, discussions, and interactive events, attendees were invited to explore neurodivergent experiences and learn about the importance of accessibility in creative spaces. These activities helped foster meaningful conversations and a sense of community between artists and the public.
Pierce Starre, Sonia Boué, Becky Beasley and
Prof. Claire Penketh
Glowing feedback on the festival’s success
The response to the festival was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees gave us some wonderful feedback including comments such as:
“Acts were relatable and funny. Each act brought something about themselves and celebrated their neurodiversity.”
“The whole thing inspired me to read more. It was very funny and very adventurous. I loved all the characters.”
“I really appreciate the price, £6, well worth giving it a chance. Venue was good and close to public transport.”
“It was an inclusive, welcoming environment.”
Artists were equally thrilled, with one saying,
“We had an absolute blast at the Monster Disco and felt so proud to be part of the festival.”
Another noted,
“The event at the Black-E was a massive hit, with such a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”
Jo Dowd (L) with Johnny Vegas at the launch event
Accessibility was also praised, with careful attention paid to venue layouts, lighting, and sound, ensuring that all neurodivergent attendees felt comfortable and included.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made it happen
None of this would have been possible without the talented neurodivergent artists, the generous venues, and, of course, the incredible audiences who came out to support the festival. Special thanks to the tireless volunteers who gave 21 days (161 hours!) of their time, ensuring everything ran smoothly!
This year’s festival was a true celebration of neurodivergent talent, inclusivity, and community spirit.
Photo credit: Brian Roberts Images
Categories: Events, Neurodiversity, News
Published: 31 October 2024
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