Johnny Vegas to support North West's first Neurodiversity Arts Festival in Liverpool

The Brain Charity has announced the Neurodiversity Arts Festival, a groundbreaking event that is set to be the first of its kind in the North-West.

Taking place from 20 – 29 September 2024, the Neurodiversity Arts Festival will unite Liverpool’s major arts organisations to celebrate neurodivergent talent, diverse perspectives, and creative expression.

The festival launch will be supported by well-known artists including Johnny Vegas and Ashleigh Nugent who will be discussing their experience of neurodiversity in the arts.

The festival aims to inform and educate the public about what neurodiversity means and open doors to improved accessibility for neurodivergent people in public spaces.

Festival highlights include:

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.

“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.”

The festival will include composer and violinist Ruby Colley discussing her brand-new work Hello Halo at Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music Room with vocal ensemble Exaudi, based on Ruby’s non-verbal brother Paul’s alternative forms of communication. At Tate there will be a conversation with neurodivergent artists Becky Beasley, Sonia Boué and Pierce Starre with Claire Penketh, Professor of Disability Studies and Art Education at Hope University.

The Boy King, a one man show celebrating 100 years since the discovery of Tutenkhamun’s Tomb, by neurodivergent artist Jordan Connerty, in collaboration with RAWD, will be at the World Museum. Artists from Blue Room, the Bluecoat’s inclusive arts project will take-over the Lush Liverpool store in a celebration of the power of creativity.

There will also be two comedy nights at the Brain Charity on Norton Street featuring Bliss Comedy and Disabilarity which will hand the mic to underrepresented voices in the world of comedy as well as offering an inclusive night for audiences who might not always feel comfortable in traditional comedy clubs.

As this is a charity initiative, we deeply appreciate any donations to help make this festival a success. Contributions will directly support the festival’s activities and the broader mission of The Brain Charity to provide emotional support, practical help, and social activities to those with neurological conditions.