Neurodiversity and museums today: Panel discussion @ Tate, London / Online

NEURODIVERSITY AND MUSEUMS TODAY: PANEL DISCUSSION
1 FEBRUARY 2024 AT 18.00–19.30
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A group of people are standing outside the entrance to the Kusama in America display in Tate Modern
‘Kusama in America’ Audio Description event in 2021. Photography by Ariel Haviland.

Join us for a panel discussion on programming for neurodivergent audiences within museums today

This event will bring together institutional representatives from across the globe to discuss what art institutions are currently offering neurodivergent or disabled audiences, what these audiences want from museums and institutions, and how can institutions be more accommodating for these audiences. The panel discussion will be chaired by artist and consultant Jack Ky Tan.

What do we mean by ‘neurodiversity’?
We are currently working with the definition that ‘neurodiversity’ refers to the diversity of human minds and the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species. Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences, including diagnosis of autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or ADHD to name a few, are a normal part of human diversity rather than disorders.

What do we mean by ‘neurodivergent’?
We are current working with the definition that ‘neurodivergent’ means having a mind which differs from dominate societal understandings of “normative” neurocognitive functioning. This identifier covers a broad range of neurodivergent conditions, such as the ones mentioned above.

While the term neurodivergent is used here to refer to a range of conditions that affect a person’s neurocognitive functioning, we acknowledge that people may prefer to use other terms like learning difference, learning difficulty, or learning disability. The conversation around these terms is still very much live and therefore how we use these terms is a starting point to learn, build a greater understanding, and instigate change.

Throughout the run of the Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms exhibition, Tate’s Public Programmes team ran a durational series of out of hours events that provided a relaxed viewing for disabled or neurodivergent, and any other visitors with sensory needs who preferred a more relaxed experience. Alongside the relaxed viewing, there was a series of artists who delivered workshops geared towards disabled or neurodivergent audiences.

Neurodiversity and Museums Today is part of a series of events produced in partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. These events are part of the Terra Foundation for American Art Series: New Perspectives.

The event will be online and supported with live captioning and BSL interpretation.

BIOGRAPHIES