University of Atypical

University of Atypical supports D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse people’s involvement in the arts. Specialising in developing and promoting the work of D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists, as well as reaching D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse audiences, the charity works with all art forms and across all disabilities.

Established as the ‘Arts and Disability Forum’ in 1993 University of Atypical acquired its new name in 2016, reflecting a new sense of empowerment and reach amongst the D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse arts community in the region.

University of Atypical provides showcasing opportunities for D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists through its Atypical Gallery and annual Bounce Arts Festival. Since 2012, the festival has presented new work by D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse writers, actors, dancers, musicians, directors and poets, while also hosting workshops and masterclasses across a range of art forms.

They are core funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and our volunteer programme of 25 volunteers is funded by The National Lottery Communities Fund Northern Ireland.

Staffed by a team of disabled people, the charity runs programmes throughout the year, including its Bodyshining Project, addressing issues of body shaming, the Urban Survival Kits programme, developing resources to help D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse people with travel and the Graduate Art Award, a mentoring programme for a D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse graduates from the Belfast School of Art.