Now in its fourth year, The Autistic Art Club provides a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for neurodivergent people to come together and express themselves.
After receiving her own autism diagnosis in 2020, founder Zoe McCormack wanted to connect with other autistic adults in order to learn more about herself.
She explains, “I knew I connected best when engaged in an activity I enjoyed, and art was a passion of mine.”
Initially starting out with meet-ups on Zoom, Zoe now runs in-person groups for adults and teenagers in the Autistic Art Club classroom space in Dublin 8.
All activities and events are specifically designed with neurodivergence in mind. Prior to each session, members are provided with an event guide, including details of the planned activities, location photos, and a map.
An integral part of the Autistic Art Club’s efforts to create an inclusive space is that members are not required to participate in any of the art activities if they don’t want to.
Zoe explains, “Many of our members bring their own artwork supplies to do their own thing, and that is very normal in our art clubs.
“I always listen to what the members want to do and build our programmes based on that,” she continues.
“We do all sorts, from learning about different artists and art techniques to working with clay, paint, pencil and oil pastels. We’ve done life drawing, collaborative art projects, and art activities focused on building a positive autistic identity.”
View this post on Instagram
Zoe suggests that the Autistic Art Club is a great place for members to come together and chat about all aspects of autistic life.
“Our conversations are nearly always about navigating challenges as an autistic person, whether that is in the workplace, college or with friends and family.
“It is also a fabulous space to share information on your special interests and hyperfocuses. But it is also a space where you can just be; nobody is forced to interact conversationally at the art club.”
Crucially, the project is movement-positive. Participants are encouraged to move, stim, and regulate themselves however they need to during all events.
To find out more about The Autistic Arts Club, follow them on Instagram @theautisticartclub or email [email protected].
© 2024 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN has been a vital, free-of-charge information service for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
During this global COVID pandemic, we like many other organisations have been impacted greatly in the way we can do business and produce. This means a temporary pause to our print publication and live events and so now more than ever we need your help to continue providing this community resource digitally.
GCN is a registered charity with a not-for-profit business model and we need your support. If you value having an independent LGBTQ+ media in Ireland, you can help from as little as €1.99 per month. Support Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.
comments. Please sign in to comment.