NEURODIVERSITY CELEBRATION WEEK 2026

Kensington Arts is proud to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week this March with a programme of free events dedicated to recognising, supporting and celebrating the neurodiverse community. The week will conclude on Saturday 21st March with a ‘Neurodiversity and Creativity’ day, open to the public.

From visual to performing arts, we are inviting young people and their families to come along to Kensington Arts on Saturday 21st March and try out a variety of different workshops and taster sessions, all completely free. The day offers a chance to explore creativity and self‑expression in a fun and supportive environment.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to challenge misconceptions, raise awareness, and promote greater inclusion. By highlighting the many positive ways neurodivergent individuals contribute to society, the week honors autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and other neurodivergent people as valued members of the community. Rather than viewing neurological differences through a deficit-based lens, the initiative champions a strengths‑led perspective – one that embraces diversity in how people think, learn, behave and create.

Emma Goodson, Creative Development Co-ordinator, said: “Celebrating creativity is at the heart of everything we do at Kensington Arts. This event invites the public to celebrate with us, as we embrace the diversity of human cognitive processes and the many ways we can express creativity.” 

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain functioning, while neurodivergence describes cognitive processing that differs from what is considered “typical”. Research increasingly points to a strong link between neurodivergence and creativity, with neurodivergent individuals often demonstrating extraordinary imagination, innovative problem-solving abilities, and unique artistic approaches.

By embracing inclusive language and rejecting “cure” narratives, the organisation seeks to empower families, self-advocates, educators and allies in challenging stigma. Kensington Arts is committed to challenging stigma, and promoting acceptance of diversity.

Neurodiversity and Creativity Day

Young people and their families can expect a day of free creative taster sessions and events, all celebrating neurodiversity through the arts. Offering a chance to explore creativity, and self‑expression in a fun and supportive environment, the programme kicks off the day with Art Tank and Performance Lab workshops – regular, popular projects run by KA. Young people can also take part in one-off DJ workshops delivered by panel guest: Caroline Cooke (a.k.a Caroline The DJ). The evening will conclude with a live panel talk. Kicking off at 5pm, the panel discussion will explore the relationship between neurodiversity and creativity through the lived experiences and lessons learnt by our wonderful panel guests.

FREE CREATIVE WORKSHOPS:

No formal neurodivergent diganosis necessary, these workshops are for everyone! Please note that parents/guardians must stay with their child throughout the day.

Art Tank ‘Taster’ – Our popular weekly sessions span individual and collaborative projects across all types of visual art: painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, crafts, graphic design and decorative art. The vibe is fun and laid-back, providing the space for creative freedom and exploration.

Performance Lab ‘Taster’– One of our newer projects, Performance Lab, is packed with fun activities to boost confidence and creativity. Workshops explore both classic theatre techniques and physical theatre, as well as mindfulness practices to help you experiment, express, and grow. It’s all about exploring your creativity, building confidence, and finding your unique voice – on and off the stage.

DJ with Caroline – Ever wondered what it might be like to be a DJ, mixing beats and blending tracks? Now’s your chance! Come and try it out during these one-off workshops delivered by special guest Caroline The DJ, and hosted by SoundCheck. Come along and try something new!

Workshops are split into ‘junior’ and ‘senior’ sessions (see timetable below).

Live Panel Discussion

After a successful pilot event in 2024, the live panel talk will return this year, once again bringing together diverse creatives to explore the relationship between neurodiversity and creativity, reflecting on lived experiences and lessons learnt. In turn, understanding how your own brain works (or that of your family, friends, colleagues, etc.) may be the key to unlocking creative potential in yourself or others.

📅 Saturday 21st March

🕔 5.00-6.15pm

📍 Kensington Arts, Kensington Rd, Douglas

🎟️ FREE entry (please book a ticket to RSVP)

👪 All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult

Panellists:

Joff Whitten (Host) – Artist/Musician, CEO of the Children’s Centre, Arts Council Member

Caroline Cooke – DJ, Producer, Art Administrator 

Jade Boylan – Visual Artist, Arts Engagement Officer, ASC Steering Group Member

Matt Quine – Musician, ASC Steering Group Member

Online Exhibition

Kensington Arts is excited to invite submissions for an ongoing online exhibition celebrating the creativity, perspectives, and lived experiences of neurodivergent artists and creatives. This exhibition aims to showcase the richness and diversity of neurodivergent expression across all artistic disciplines. 

The exhibition officially launches on 21st March as part of our ‘Neurodiversity and Creativity’ day. Submissions will remain open on an ongoing basis, but if you would like your work to be considered for display at the launch event, please submit your artwork no later than Tuesday, 17th March. Complete your online submission HERE.

Image: Neurodiversity and Creativity Panel, March 2024, Kensington Arts. From left to right: Callum Rowe, Kai Varetto, Caroline Cooke, Anna Clucas.