This conversation invites you to delve into the practices of neurodivergent artists discussing how they explore access as a subject matter, the complexities of navigating institutional representation of neurodivergence and how artist-led practice can create space to transform this landscape. This conversation will be chaired by artist and consultant Jack Ky Tan.
The panellists include Abbas Zahedi and Theresa Lambert, an artist from Creative Growth.
What do we mean by ‘neurodiversity’?
We are currently working with the definition that ‘neurodiversity’ refers to the diversity of human minds and the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species. Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences, including diagnosis of autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD to name a few, are a normal part of human diversity rather than disorders.
What do we mean by ‘neurodivergent’?
We are current working with the definition that ‘neurodivergent’ means having a mind which differs from dominate societal understandings of “normative” neurocognitive functioning. This identifier covers a broad range of neurodivergent conditions, such as the ones mentioned above.
While the term neurodivergent is used here to refer to a range of conditions that affect a person’s neurocognitive functioning, we acknowledge that people may prefer to use other terms like learning difference, learning difficulty, or learning disability. The conversation around these terms is still very much live and therefore how we use these terms is a starting point to learn, build a greater understanding, and instigate change.
Throughout the run of the Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms exhibition, Tate’s Public Programmes team ran a durational series of out of hours events that provided a relaxed viewing for disabled or neurodivergent, and any other visitors with sensory needs who preferred a more relaxed experience. Alongside the relaxed viewing, there was a series of artists who delivered workshops geared towards disabled or neurodivergent audiences.
Neurodiversity and Museums Today is part of a series of events produced in partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. These events are part of the Terra Foundation for American Art Series: New Perspectives.
The event will be online and supported with live captioning and BSL interpretation. There will also be a moderator.
Theresa Lambert, Basket with felt flowers. Courtesy of the artist and Creative Growth.
Portrait of Theresa Lambert. Photography by Cheryl Dunn. Courtesy of the artist and Creative Growth.
