“Hyperphantasia” by Oakley Stratford. Copyright Oakley Stratford.
About the project
This exhibition has arisen from a groundbreaking initiative, the Our Neurodivergent Experience project. The project emerged from a collaborative effort of people working in Devon, aiming to challenge negative beliefs about neurodiversity and tackle the pervasive stigma and isolation among neurodivergent young people. This unique venture not only highlights the voices of neurodivergent youth but also underscores the dire consequences of policymakers’ inaction on these critical issues.
About the collaboration
The project is the result of a University of Exeter Engaged Public Research funded collaboration between the Esteem Team, Devon Council Council’s SEND participation team, Well Image CIC and researchers at University of Exeter working together to creatively respond to concerns raised by marginalised neurodivergent young people in the South-West about lack of access to platforms to have their voices heard about topics that matter to them.
Supported by local creative arts professionals, neurodivergent young people worked with the project team to devise the prompt: “What being neurodivergent means to me” and to create an adaptable art session that enables a greater diversity of neurodivergent young people to take part, particularly those who are not in school for a variety of reasons, those who prefer not to communicate verbally and those who find it difficult to leave their homes.
The impact
The artworks created were showcased in an exhibition illustrating young neurodivergent identities, challenging negative beliefs, and tackling stigmatising stereotypes. The exhibition was launched on June 20, 2024 at Positive Light Projects, with senior local community leaders in attendance. This event featured contributions from young participants and members of the University of Exeterʼs Student Guild and Neurodivergent and Disabled Studentsʼ Society.
Photos from the launch evening
View the online exhibition
This online version of the exhibition provides a lasting legacy of the artworks created by the contributing participants.
View the exhibition booklet
Veronica White, a Human Geography PhD student at the University of Exeter, graphic designer and photographer, compiled our exhibition booklet.
Feedback from the exhibition
We asked visitors to provide artists with feedback on a pinboard. We gave each artist any feedback that mentioned them by name. You can read feedback for the whole exhibition by clicking on the button below.