Cultivating spaces for extraordinary artists
Neurodivergent Artist Network (NAN)
Neurodivergent Artist Network: Taster Session and Introduction to the Programme
Thursday 3 September 2026, 7.30–8.30pm
Online via Zoom
Free to attend
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/neurodivergent-artist-network-taster-session-and-introduction-to-the-progr-tickets-1997692358621
What is the Neurodivergent Artist Network?
The Neurodivergent Artist Network (NAN) is a new programme for neurodivergent artists and creatives, organised by BACKLIT and DASH.
It is a space to meet other artists, share experiences, hear from established neurodivergent artists and get advice and feedback on your work and career.
The programme will run across five sessions during winter 2026 and spring 2027, with sessions online and in person.
NAN is open to artists and creatives based in the Midlands. We are particularly keen to encourage residents from St Ann’s and Sneinton in Nottingham to join the programme.
Join our free taster session
Not sure whether NAN is for you? Join us online on Thursday 3 September for a free taster session.
You will meet the team, find out what to expect from NAN and hear more about the five-session programme.
We will explain how the sessions will work, introduce the programme dates and answer your questions.
The full five-session programme will cost £30.
What will happen during the programme?
Across the five sessions, you will:
- meet established neurodivergent artists and hear about their work, careers and experiences
- get advice about your work and ideas
- explore how to approach galleries and navigate the visual arts sector
- share experiences with other neurodivergent artists and creatives
- receive feedback from the DASH and BACKLIT teams
- suggest artists and speakers you would like to hear from at future meetings
- take part in an in-person creative workshop with artist Heather Peak
Programme dates
5 November 2026 – Online
3 December 2026 – Online
7 January 2027 – Online
4 February 2027 – Online
6 March 2027 – In person at BACKLIT, Nottingham
The final session will include a creative workshop with established artist Heather Peak.
Who will run the sessions?
The taster and main sessions will be hosted by:
Suzanne Golden – Co-Director, BACKLIT
Rosa Davies – Marketing Coordinator, BACKLIT
Peter Bonnell – Executive Director, DASH
All three have lived experience of autism and/or ADHD, alongside many years of experience working in galleries and the UK visual arts sector.
Access information
We want you to be able to take part in a way that works for you.
- Please let us know in advance if you require BSL support.
- You can attend with a support worker, friend or colleague. Support workers can attend free of charge.
- We will publish information about guest speakers in advance.
- You can submit questions in advance for a member of the DASH or BACKLIT team to read out during the session.
- You do not need to have your camera on.
- You can take part using the Zoom chat rather than speaking if you prefer.
- Closed captions will be available. Please be aware that automatically generated captions may not always be completely accurate.
- Each session will last just over an hour, with a 10-minute comfort break after the first 30 minutes.
- You are welcome to take additional breaks at any time.
- Members of the BACKLIT and DASH teams are trained in Mental Health First Aid.