Featuring digital, visual arts and theatre-based practice, this free event will explore the challenges, joys and out of the box thinking behind the creation process for neurodivergent/disabled artists.

Divergent Creativity

Wednesday 2-5pm / 28 February, 2024 
The Engine Room, Bridgwater, TA6 3BL 

Booking information is at the bottom of this page. 

The programme for the day includes contributions from: 

Stephen Clarke of Biggerhouse Film will share his experience of making new work with neurodivergent creatives. His collaborations include working with Somerset Film on JUMPcuts, with, by and for adults with learning differences. More recently he worked with 104 films, world leaders in disability cinema, to deliver an ongoing creative mentoring programme for Neurodiverse film makers. 

Amy Shiner is a neurodiverse artist and creative facilitator running arts and health projects. Her latest project, ‘The Eternal Journal’, combines her passion for creative journaling and working in partnership with organisations supporting people with mental health challenges.  

Creative journaling has been a powerful tool to help Amy connect visually to her thoughts, experiences and emotions and has informed her creative practice. She will introduce us to a few creative exercises, giving the chance to explore this simple but effective way to express our own creativity. 

Instagram: @amyshinerart @eternaljournalproject  

Website: www.creativesoulspace.co.uk 

MJ Gardner is a Creative Producer and Lead Artist of Autopia, a project working with fellow neurodiverse and disabled adults to provide interactive workshops/social spaces and theatrical storytelling. Workshops have taken place at Taunton Brewhouse, Taunton Pride 2022 and artsdepot, London. 

MJ has previously been a Freelance Disability Consultant for Royal Shakespeare Company and part of stage management teams at National Theatre Wales and National Theatre Scotland. 

MJ will also be a speaker at the Academy for Performing Arts Producers #7 with a theme of ‘Care in Producing’ in Frankfurt Jan 2024. 

Instagram: @Mjgardnerautopia 

X: @MJGardnerProds 

The Arts and Culture Diversity Forum Somerset champions diversity and equality in the arts in Somerset. Facilitated by Take Art, Somerset Art Works and Somerset Film, it represents a safe space for us all to talk honestly, share experiences and best practice, challenge perceptions, and provoke individual and collective action.  


We encourage people to book online, but if you would prefer to speak to someone, please call 01460 249450 and we will do our best to help.