Door in the Wall Arts Access CIC is Scotland’s only neurodivergent-led arts organisation. They help address the significant barriers that neurodivergent people face to making, participating in, and sharing art, by providing meet-ups, workshops, 1-2-1 support, tools, templates, and equipment, as well as staging commissions and exhibitions that have reached thousands of audience members. They have over 120 members who have a committed artistic practice and support many more via open events.
Door in the Wall Arts Access CIC aims to continue running their successful in-person creative meet-ups in Edinburgh for neurodivergent and disabled adults, building a local network that fosters an inclusive and thriving arts community and provides a welcoming space where participants can socialise, collaborate, and explore their creative potential, helping to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Each session lasts around two hours, facilitated by specialists, with materials and refreshments provided. Events take place in accessible venues equipped with sensory supports, captions, Easy Read documents, quiet spaces, and rest breaks to ensure a comfortable environment.
Funding would enable the running of a full programme of events throughout the year and expand their Access Library with additional sensory equipment. These activities serve people with diverse neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and bipolar disorder, with participants benefiting from reduced isolation, increased social connection, and improved wellbeing.