Recent research on neurodivergence and creativity posits that persons with neurodiverse traits have heightened access to creative thinking. Conversations among researchers suggest that having a divergent mind might lead to divergent thinking, or ‘thinking outside the box,’ which is a strength for anyone in a creative field.

Keynote sessions will include a talk by author and academic Chelsey Flood about her work, including her upcoming book exploring the intersection of masked neurodiversity and addiction; and a workshop and performance by neurodivergent artists Xan Dye and Gerald Curtis, who will share concepts from their movement and visual art project Practicing in Parallel.

The conference runs over two weeks, with two online pre-sessionals (Tuesday 10 and Thursday 19 June) and two hybrid days in person at the Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ and online (Friday 20 and Saturday 21 June).

Participants are welcome to engage in any way that is accessible for you. In the room you will be invited to sit, stand, or move around as needed during sessions. Sensory and stim toys, crafting projects or other similar items are welcome. The venue is accessible by ramp outside and by lift inside and has an induction loop available. Other accessibility information about the venue can be found here.

Organising Committee: Rosemary Golding, Lania Knight, Sam Meekings, Marshall Moore, Christine Plastow, and Stefanie Sinclair

This event is supported by OpenARC, the Open University Arts and Humanities Research Centre; Falmouth University; and Northwestern University in Qatar.

Please note, in-person capacity is limited, but online places are unlimited.

Book your place here