Art and Neurodiversity

In Spring 2026, we invited neurodivergent students and staff to participate in a collaborative project to create a new artwork for the University Art Collection by the artist Seiko Hayase. Led by curator, Meadhbh Healy, the project invited participants to reflect on neurodivergent identities and explore the challenges and opportunities for neurodiverse people within a third level context. 

The project was open to any students or staff on campus who identify as neurodivergent — whether formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, questioning, or felt that the term resonated with their experience. The commissioning process included workshops, drop-in sessions and online consultations in order to create an inclusive platform for neurodivergent students and staff to share their stories, express their creativity, and engage in meaningful discussions about their unique experiences in a supportive and safe environment. 

Social stories and sensory-friendly environments were provided to encourage creative responses from the neurodivergent community on campus. Participants engaged in creative activities including collage, clay, textured drawing and creative writing to provide insight and inspiration for the artist in the creation of the works. Research context and support was provided by UCC Neurodiversity Society and colleagues in UCC Student Health and Wellbeing, UCC Staff Disability & Neurodivergence Network, and Adult Continuing Education.

The new commission resulted in two artworks Emotion Kinship-Bloom and Emotion Kinship-Spiral. The commission was officially launched in the Glucksman on 10 September 2026 by our Director, Fiona Kearney, and Eleanor McCahill, UCC Student Union President.