🌟BIG NEWS! 🌟 I am thrilled to share that we've been chosen as a
commissioned R&D artist for Liberty Festival 2025! 🎉
Liberty Festival is committed to spotlighting and celebrating the very best
of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists in Wandsworth and in
London as part of a joyful, radically inclusive festival where everyone is
welcome.
Art is not only a form of self-expression but also a tool for change. For neurodivergent individuals, it can be a way to share unique perspectives and inspire a more inclusive world. That’s why I -Tiah Algalarrondo, director and art facilitator for the Arty-Crafty crescent club- am excited to introduce Neurodivergent and disability Voices: A Collaborative Art Project for All Ages, a project designed to amplify neurodivergent and disabled people both visible and invisible voices through textile art and beadwork.
What is the Project About?
This project is all about providing a platform for neurodivergent/disabled individuals to express how the world can be kinder and more inclusive. Participants will create a textile piece that represents their vision for a world that embraces neurodiversity. The artwork will include an Earth motif, surrounded by stickmen figures, all made using textile and beadwork. These creations will be stitched together to form a larger, collaborative installation that showcases our collective voices.
Who can participate?
Here’s an overview of neurodivergent conditions and a list of visible and invisible disabilities:
Neurodivergent Conditions:
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder affecting social interaction, communication, interests, and behavior.
2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
3. Dyslexia: A learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and writing.
4. Dyscalculia: A learning disability that affects the ability to understand and work with numbers.
5. Dyspraxia: Also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), affecting motor coordination and movement.
6. Tourette Syndrome: A neurological disorder involving repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics).
7. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
8. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Difficulty processing and responding to sensory information.
9. Intellectual Disabilities: Below-average intellectual functioning affecting learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
10. Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD): A condition that involves difficulty with spatial awareness, motor coordination, and visual-spatial processing.
Visible Disabilities:
1. Wheelchair users: People who rely on a wheelchair for mobility.
2. Visual Impairments: Includes blindness or partial sight that impacts daily activities.
3. Hearing Impairments: Includes those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
4. Physical Disabilities: Includes conditions like paralysis, amputation, or other mobility impairments.
5. Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders that affect movement and muscle coordination.
6. Chronic Illnesses with visible effects: Conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, or severe arthritis, where physical symptoms are apparent.
Invisible Disabilities:
1. Fibromyalgia: A chronic pain condition affecting muscles and soft tissue, often with fatigue and sleep disturbances.
2. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Severe fatigue that isn’t relieved by rest, often accompanied by other symptoms like cognitive impairment.
3. Mental Health Conditions:
Anxiety Disorders: Including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, etc.
Depression: Mood disorder affecting feelings, behavior, and overall health.
Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by extreme mood swings that include depressive episodes and manic episodes.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Resulting from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
4. Chronic Pain Conditions: Including conditions like arthritis, back pain, migraines, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
5. Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that causes seizures.
6. Sleep Disorders: Conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea that affect quality of sleep.
7. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus that affect the immune system and often have symptoms that aren’t visible.
8. Neurocognitive Disorders: Conditions like Alzheimer,Parkinson, or other forms of dementia that may not show symptoms outwardly at first.
These are just some examples, and many conditions can overlap or exist in ways that make it difficult for others to recognize them without specific knowledge.
Why Participate?
This is your chance to contribute to a public installation that represents the neurodivergent and disability communities hopes, dreams, and aspirations for a more inclusive world. Through the creative process, we will not only craft beautiful art but also make a statement about the importance of awareness and kindness in society.
How Can You Participate?
If you feel more comfortable drawing, draw.
If you feel more comfortable writing, write.
You will create a textile piece .
Material available :
fabrics markers , embroidery threads, beads and other materials.
If you want to bring personal items to donate and add to your artwork you can!
These pieces will be sewn together to form a powerful collective installation. This project is open to individuals of all ages, providing an opportunity for everyone to come together and create something meaningful.
Workshops and Locations
The workshops will take place at the following venues:
Battersea Arts Centre on Thursday 10th April 9:30-12:30 & Saturday 12th 10:30-12:30
Cromwell house community hub Wednesdays 9th April 10-12
Balham library (to be confirmed)
During these workshops, I will guide participants through the process of creating their artwork. Each participant will have the chance to explore their creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Why Join the Project?
Make Your Voice Heard: Share your vision for a more inclusive world through your artwork.
Collaborate and Connect: Join a community of neurodivergent individuals who are creating together, fostering connections and understanding.
Challenge Stereotypes: Help challenge misconceptions about neurodivergent individuals by showcasing the power and creativity of our community.
Inspire Change: The finished installation will be a public display that raises awareness about neurodiversity and encourages a shift toward greater inclusion and acceptance.
How to Get Involved
To stay updated, follow us on Instagram or email for more information:
Instagram: @theartycraftycrescentclub
Together, let’s create a powerful, inclusive art installation that celebrates creativity and sparks meaningful change. I look forward to seeing your creations!
About Liberty Festival
In March 2024 Wandsworth Council was awarded the title of London
Borough of Culture by the Mayor of London.
Our vision for London Borough of Culture is to harness the power of
culture to transform our residents’ lives in terms of health, happiness and
equality of opportunity. A key part of this programme is delivering the
Mayor of London's flagship Liberty Festival which is committed to
spotlighting and celebrating the very best of D/deaf, disabled and
neurodivergent artists in Wandsworth and in London as part of a joyful,
radically inclusive festival where everyone is welcome.
Liberty 2025 will take place in Wandsworth between 24 and 28
September.
About CRIPtic Arts
CRIPtic Arts exists to create an artistic landscape where disabled people
flourish.
We provide active disabled leadership which advances world-class arts
work with disabled creatives. From high-quality community activities to
showcasing breakthrough performers; we’re blazing a revolution in
accessibility.
We are a creatively courageous, accessibility-driven organisation,
forging diverse disabled excellence, with community, ethics, and
solidarity at the heart of our work.
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