Neurodivergent Creatives in Conversation: Panel Discussion & Networking

Join us for a networking session and live panel discussion exploring the realities of life as a neurodivergent creative.

From building a career, navigating networking and recovering from burn out - this event is about what it really looks like to build creative careers in the creative industries.

Whether your an artist, writer, theatre-maker, or any other sort of creative practitioner, this is for you. Whether you're just starting out or years into your creative path, you're welcome along.

We'll hear from a brilliant panel of neurodivergent artists, writers and makers and we'll ask you what you think the blocks are in your career and practice.

The event is part of an R&D carried out by Ironclad Creative CIC and supported with public funding by Arts Council England.

Our aim is to listen, explore, and build a picture about what it's like to be a neurodivergent creative right now, and what the barriers are to finding or making work. Our panel will talk about how they navigate their creative careers and answer any questions you might have.

We might not have all the answers, but we believe that together we can inspire each other and build community.

Expect thoughtful conversation and a chance to meet other creatives.

Our Panel - facilitated by Andrew Allen of Ironclad Creative

Alice Reeves - Founder & Co-director Joyfully Different

Katie Gander - artist

Martin Hobbs - actor

Tea Lewis - artist

Emma Kelly - playwright

What to expect:

Time to meet and chat with other ND creatives

A live panel discussion with neurodivergent creatives

A relaxed and friendly atmosphere

Opportunties to book onto one of our future 1:1 mentoring & signposting sessions (available in Jully via Zoom)

This event is hosted by Ironclad Creative CIC in partnership with Joyfully Different

Ironclad Creative CIC is a neurodivergent-led organisation Our aim is to make spaces for all creative people to network, develop and thrive.

Joyfully Different is an online business support community and learning hub for neurodivergent business owners and freelancers.

Facilitated by Andrew Allen

I'm the Co-founder of Ironclad Creative CIC and I identify as ADHD.

I facilitate our Creative Catch-up networking sessions at Brighton Dome every month and I've taught drama for almost two decades, working with children, young people and adults.

I teach improvisation in corporate and community settings, and lead workshops and mentoring for emerging writers and directors.

I trained in theatre-making and performance, and I also write and direct. My plays have been staged in Brighton, Edinburgh and London. My short stories and novellas are published by Candy Jar Books

Event Partner & Panel Member:

Alice Reeves - Joyfully Different

I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 35, five years into running my branding and digital marketing agency.

I knew entrepreneurship would be tough, but I didn’t understand why it felt SO tough for me compared to other people. I was successful, but I was also anxious, depressed and burnt out. I couldn’t understand why all the advice from business courses and coaches didn’t work for me. Then, getting my ADHD diagnosis made it all make sense. Ever since then, I’ve been working on designing my business to support my neurodivergent brain instead of trying to make myself to confirm to the ‘norms’ of business and the pressure I was putting on myself based on what I thought a business owner ‘should’ be. It’s made a world of difference.

Through Joyfully Different, I now support other neurodivergent business owners to create a life and business that works FOR them instead of against their unique needs and differences, bringing them fulfilment, joy and success – without the burnout.

Panel Guest - Katie Gander

I am an autistic artist, I love getting creative with monotype printing, mixed media, bookbinding, collage and free motion embroidery.

I have an MA in Inclusive Arts Practice and I work at the Circular Space –a creative recycling centre in Shoreham. I run the Calm Crafting Club based there, leading neurodivergent friendly workshops about paper crafts and junk journaling.

I am a member of the Adur Arts Collective and my work has been exhibited with them in the Adur Art Trail in Shoreham.

Panel Guest - Martin Hobbs

I'm an actor, storyteller and acting coach and lecturer diagnosed with ADHD. I have worked in TV, film and theatre, but my speciality is improvisational and interactive theatre. As a storyteller, I have performed for major heritage and corporate clients mostly through HamsterJAM Productions Ltd for which I'm the director.

Panel Guest - Tea Lewis

I'm an artist and freelance marketeer, and the Marketing Manager for Joyfully Different.
As an AuDHD marketer, I’ve discovered that my neurodivergent brain gives me a unique lens on patterns and connections others might miss.