Belonging in Wild Takeover
For Neurodiversity Week
Enjoy a celebration of creativity and neurodiversity as Pinc College and Venture Arts take over our Wild exhibition for the evening.
The event marks Neurodiversity Week (17-23 March 2025), a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and recognises the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, celebrating our differences and empowering every individual.
Join us on the evening of Wednesday 19 March, 5-8.30pm, when the museum will be open late as we host a pop-up exhibition, creative workshops and artist talks, all exploring how humans relate to nature, and how we care for it now and in the future.
In response to the Wild exhibition, Manchester Museum have been working with neurodivergent young people and d/Deaf young people and artists to investigate their experiences of the natural world. The project aims to increase our understanding and awareness of how nature is experienced and accessed by people with lived experience of disability and neurodivergence and inspire action and imagination for a more inclusive wild future.
As part of this project, Venture Arts studio artists Emelia Hewitt and Andrew Johnstone are currently taking part in a six-month residency at the Museum, working on their own creative projects every Wednesday. They have delivered workshops with Pinc College students, who are based in the Museum. Hear from Pinc College and Venture Arts artists as they share insights into the work that’s been taking place.
We’re thrilled to be joined on the evening by accomplished wildlife photographer Alfie Bowen. Alfie has autism and a meticulous artistic vision for the images he captures, which have been featured on BBC Earth and lauded by the likes of Sir David Attenborough and Chris Packham. Hear his inspiring story as he raises awareness for wildlife and autism.
As well as artist talks, see new artwork inspired by Wild on display and get involved with a poetry workshop led by Venture Arts artist Sally Hirst. Join us for this special evening as we celebrate and learn more about the creative talent of neurodiverse artists.
This project is part of the Mindsets + Missions programme, with funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in partnership with Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).