Neurodiverse Art in The Western Exhibition World
by Kathryn Sonne, Ph.D.
Neurodiverse artists are getting their art shown in more significant, inclusive ways. However, the battle for space and recognition is real and ongoing. The shows are visual validation of an often marginalized community. Many exhibits this year are shining a light on the voices of these artists; four, in particular, are highlighted below.
Project Art Works Residential, Copenhagen Contemporary
Disability Activism in Bristol: pioneers, protests and progress from the 1980s to now
The MShed (part of Bristol Museums) exhibit is ongoing
This exhibit in the heart of the fastest growing hip city in the UK – Bristol focuses on the history and development of disability activism. Displaying a largely invisible narrative of critical activism from the 1980s to the 1990s, it puts a face to the evolving world of neurodiverse equity. The show includes research, interviews, and images conducted by and of neurodiverse volunteers and activists in multiple realms.
Project Art Works Residential in Copenhagen
April 27, 2024 – December 29, 2024
The exhibit in Copenhagen is in collaboration with Project Art Works, which has its genesis in the UK and is now an international collective comprising seven different European countries. “Over the past 25 years, they have built a collection of over 6000 works created by neurodivergent artists with various complex support needs.” Residential offers numerous artworks from various genres and opportunities to create art. It is both a traditional exhibit and an experiential one. “Residential explores art’s potential for expression and creates new spaces for community. Regardless of language, body, or abilities, everyone can explore materials and processes, connect with others, and document their presence through art.” The communal experience of viewing and creating documents the inclusivity of art and its potential for all.
CRIP ARTE SPAZIO: CREA Cantieri del Contemporaneo in Giudecca
April – November 2024
The exhibit, although not officially part of the Biennale Collateral events, has been timed to provide visibility and access to the works. The Biennale’s theme of “Foreigners Everywhere” provides context and space for numerous groups that have been underrepresented. Shape Arts and David Hevey curated the show. He emphasizes in a film loop the history of disability representation at the exhibit and why this is a necessary time to showcase the lack of equity in the art world. Hyperallergic noted that “Power concedes nothing without a demand, and the tireless efforts of DAM [Disability Arts Movement] deserve both recognition and celebration. The show, awash in color and light, is a testament to the decades-long efforts of disability justice advocates.”
Creative Growth: The House that Art Built
SFMoMA April 6, 2024 – October 6, 2024
Creative Growth was founded fifty years ago in Oakland, California. Their anniversary year is being celebrated and showcased at an exhibit at SF MoMA. They are an organization that, early on, saw the potential for neurodiverse artists to blossom in the art world but also recognized that resources were not easily accessible and supported. “The Creative Growth Gallery exhibits and promotes Creative Growth artists by placing their work in major collections and institutions worldwide. It presents public exhibitions in the Oakland gallery and represents Creative Growth artists at national and international art fairs every year.” The organization supports over 140 artists working in a variety of formats. They are non-profit; all sales are used for program expenses and artist support. “Artwork made at Creative Growth has been acquired by prominent collections worldwide, including MoMA, SFMOMA, the Smithsonian, the Studio Museum of Harlem, Collection de L’Art Brut, American Folk Art Museum, and The Museum of Everything.”
Creative Growth is celebrating 50 years.
“Not every mind or body will experience art the same way. But every mind and body is entitled to the experience.”