Neurodivergent Peer Network
An accessible online community space made for you, by you.
In 2026, Mainspring Arts will launch a National Peer Network for Neurodivergent Creatives.
This new network is a direct response to feedback from neurodivergent creatives we’ve worked with. The Peer Network will be a core part of our programme, creating a supportive neurodivergent creative community and offering a programme of activity shaped by its members.
The Plan
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Our Steering group consists of 8 amazing neurodivergent creatives who over 6 sessions are helping co-create the foundation of the peer network. We want to make sure that our community is represented accurately and as diversely as possible so we have selected artists across the arts from different backgrounds and working with a variety of mediums. Our initial session focussed on creating a safe space for these artists and the Mainspring Team to get comfortable and prepare to share!
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Here is where you come in! With the support and guidance of our steering group, we launch our survey. We want the Peer Network to be designed by our community, for our community - so we need your help to shape what it will look like. Please click the links above or below to complete the survey! This will inform the creation of the network and ensure it can effectively help you as a hobbyist and/or professional access the arts more.
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While the Steering group, Miranda, Stella and Simi are working hard to get the network up and running - we will be looking for 3 artists to commission work from to live on the network and be presented during the online launch event in February
The Survey.
We want the Peer Network to be designed by our community, for our community - so we need your help to shape what it will look like. Please help us by answering the following questions by Monday 15th December.
“It was really special being in a space where we all felt on the same page. Being able to fully unmask without worrying how others would understand me was so freeing, and it was amazing seeing how accessibility was intrinsic to the session. The breakout discussion left me fizzing with enthusiasm for the project!”
— Feedback from Jaime Starr, a member of our Steering Group
Artist Commission: Network Launch Event
Artist Commission: Network Launch Event
We are looking for three neurodivergent artists to create new work for the online launch of our national Peer Network in February 2026.
Each artist will receive £1,500, to cover the artist’s fee as well as any resources and expenses needed to make the final creative piece.