NeurodivergArt: A Celebration of Collaboration and Creativity
In addition to AuSM’s partnerships with other organizations, it is also an essential part of our organization to collaborate with community members. In 2024, this commitment to collaboration was exemplified through our NeurodivergArt initiative, a program designed to showcase the talents of autistic artists while also supporting AuSM’s mission.
NeurodivergArt began as a call to visual artists on the autism spectrum to submit their work for consideration to be featured for sale on AuSM’s website. Selected pieces were made available for purchase as high-quality prints, with proceeds split equally between the artists and AuSM. This innovative program not only provided autistic artists with a platform to share their work with a broader audience but also served as a meaningful fundraiser to sustain our programs and advocacy efforts.
We were thrilled by the response to our call for submissions. A total of 37 talented artists submitted their work, and from this competitive pool, 10 were selected by NeurodivergArt’s dedicated curation team. Each artist brought a unique perspective and creative vision, helping to illuminate the diverse artistic expressions within the autism community. In addition to featuring their artwork, participating artists had the option to share insights about their inspiration, personal stories, and links to their social media, allowing them to connect directly with new audiences and supporters.
A key aspect of NeurodivergArt’s success was the leadership of Shelia Nelson, AuSM’s Donation Coordinator and a lifelong artist who is autistic. Shelia’s experience as a visual artist—spanning photography, painting, and collage—brought a deep understanding of the artistic process and the importance of visibility for neurodivergent creatives. Her passion for the initiative ensured that the selection and curation process was inclusive, respectful, and artist-driven. Shelia was joined by a committee of artists from the community, ensuring that the program truly reflected the perspectives and talents of those it aimed to support.
Through NeurodivergArt, AuSM reinforced its commitment to not only collaborating with other organizations but also partnering directly with the autistic community. This initiative highlighted the incredible creativity of autistic artists while fostering an inclusive space where their work could be celebrated and valued. We are deeply grateful to all the artists who shared their talents with us and to everyone who supported this initiative by purchasing artwork.