Neurodiversity Awareness Day at the MMFA

An opportunity to create and discover together as we celebrate our differences on Sunday, April 14

As part of Autism Month, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), Autisme sans limites, the Fondation Les Petits Rois, Giant Steps School and the Gold Centre are joining forces to raise public awareness of neurodiversity. On April 14, from 10 am to 4 pm, the Museum is presenting a series of art activities for young and old alike, who are invited to discover what units us in spite of our differences.

Through art, the creative activities offered celebrate individual expression and strengths.

Open to the general public, the MMFA’s Neurodiversity Awareness Day is aimed at encouraging the inclusion of people living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), for example, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in our society. It is an opportunity to come together to combat the prejudice and social exclusion that affects some people who are “neurodifferent.” Through art, the creative activities offered celebrate individual expression and strengths.

Throughout this special day, the Museum’s mediators and volunteers working with partner organizations will be on hand to support the participants and answer their questions. A quiet area will also be set up to provide a calm refuge.

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is the positive recognition of the fact that human beings are neurologically diverse. This variability can manifest itself in various ways in those affected by an autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and disorders such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. The concept of neurodiversity is intended to destigmatize people who are neurodifferent and recognize their potential within society.

Program

Joy, fear, anger, sadness: find the emotions hidden in the Museum’s works

In groups of two or more, armed with a map of the Museum and emoticons, set off in search of works in the Museum’s various pavilions. Share the emotions they spark in you with others. In collaboration with Autisme sans limites.

10 am to noon
Meeting place: Art Hive – Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy
Ages: Adults and children aged 6 and up, accompanied by an adult

Four-handed workshop: Mr. And Mrs. Dress-Up

The four-handed workshop is designed especially for young children and their parents. Using the collage technique, participants dress a paper doll in trendy fashions.

10:15 am to 11 am
11:15 am to noon
Where: Studio 3 – Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy
Ages: Children aged 2 to 5 accompanied by an adult

Drop-In Workshop: Wild Things

Using pipe cleaners and various fabrics, create an ephemeral outfit inspired by the fantasy world of Thierry Mugler, subject of an exhibition at the Museum.

11 am to 4 pm
Where: Studios 4 & 5 – Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy
Ages: children aged 6 and up, accompanied by an adult.

Children’s film: Mia et le Migou

Director: Jacques-Rémy Girerd, France, 2008, animation, 91 min, French – In French

1 pm
Where: Studio 7 – Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy
Ages: 6 and up

Art workshop: Writing In Clay

Using a printing technique on clay, create and decorate a bas-relief, giving free rein to your imagination. In collaboration with the Fondation les Petits rois.

1 pm to 2 pm
2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Studio 2 – Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy
Ages: Adults and children accompanied by an adult

Themed Workshop: We Can Be Heroes

Who are the new strong-minded heroes and heroines?  Design and colour your own Pop comic character inspired by the world of Thierry Mugler.

1 pm to 2 pm
2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where:  Studio 3 – Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy
Ages: children aged 6 and up, accompanied by an adult

Art Hive

The Art Hive is a place where everyone can meet and share ideas! It offers is a wide array of activities: create something from scratch using old unravelled sweaters, make a sculpture out of recycled materials, draw, sew or paint.

1 pm to 4 pm
Where: Art Hive – Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy
Ages: all age groups

The Art of Being Unique at the MMFA

In 2015, the MMFA launched The Art of Being Unique, a program designed to make art more accessible to people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or an intellectual disability. Every week, in collaboration with the Gold Centre, the Museum offers art workshops and social activities for people aged 21 and older who are living with intellectual disabilities.

Young people with an ASD who attend Irénée-Lussier school also take part in visits and workshops at the Museum, which are provided free of charge. The Museum welcomes young people with autism as part of an art therapy project focused on the recognition and expression of emotions, in collaboration with Autisme Sans Limites.

In collaboration with Les Petits Rois Foundation and Miriam Home and Services, young adults also work with Museum staff, assisting them in their daily tasks, to facilitate their social and employment integration. In addition, the MMFA supports the career development of young artists such as Maxwell Bitton, whose works were showcased at the Museum in 2016.

Acknowledgments

Michel de la Chenelière International Atelier for Education and Art Therapy
Major Patron: Fondation de la Chenelière

Art therapy programs
Major Patron: Rossy Family Foundation
With support from Great West London Life and Canada Life
And a contribution by Cynthia Shewan

“The Art of Being Unique” program
With support from Stella Jones

Neurodiversity Awareness Day at the MMFA

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
1380 Sherbrooke W
Sunday April 14, from 10 am to 4 pm
Free! Limited places

Feature image: Mikaël Theimer (MKL)

Read also: World Premiere Thierry Mugler: Couturissime