As part of the Quintin Hogg Trust (QHT) Live Performance Project, the University of Westminster organised the UK's first ever in-person Neurodiversity Pride Day in collaboration with the Neurodiversity Foundation to celebrate all different and unique ways of processing the world around us.
The event that took place on 13 June offered a welcoming and supportive environment for all that recognised and celebrated the value of different ways of thinking and processing information.
The event included a panel talk with an open Q&A to discuss what steps can be taken going forward to create inclusive events. This was followed by a performance from the choirs Sing Out! and Everyone's a Singer who joined together to share pieces from their repertoire in a relaxed open rehearsal way.
Panel members were Dr Laura Boubert, Principal Lecturer and Teaching Fellow in Cognitive Science, George Adigbli, Academic Clinical Lecturer in Plastic Surgery from the University of Oxford, Leanne Maskell, ADHD Coach, Trainer and Founder of ADHD Words, Singer Ruby Macintosh and Valeria Perboni, Creative Projects Coordinator at the University of Westminster.
The day saw a diverse group of academics, researchers, artists, neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals share their perspectives and experiences, in particular in relation to artistic engagement, the benefits of art and what the future of inclusive arts looks like.
Everyone's a Singer
There were three key themes throughout the day. The first one was understanding neurodiversity in and through art. To explore this topic the group discussed the spectrum of neurodiverse conditions and their impact on individuals' interactions with the artistic and creative world. The second was inclusive practices, which focused on effective practices for creating inclusive artistic spaces and celebrating the wins. Finally, the event highlighted future directions, where the group explored the next actionable steps towards creating inclusive spaces and events where everyone feels welcome, heard and celebrated in their individual differences.
This event directly contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Dr Lucy Harrison, Assistant Head of the School of Arts at the University of Westminster, said: ‘We’re incredibly proud to have hosted this even as part of the QHT-funded live performance project which provided paid opportunities for our students to be involved with this very important day. The event demonstrated Westminster’s commitment to celebrating individuality and equality in our whole community and was turned into a real celebration led by the two choirs."
Find out more about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Westminster.
