about us
MixMatched is a Creative Arts Organisation based in Kent that mainly operates in Canterbury and Margate. We run a range of events such as monthly performance nights and a range of creative workshops. As well as being Neurodivergent+ led, MixMatched aims to be Neurodivergent accessible regarding ethos, space and performers. Each night sources at least 50%+ Neurodivergent performers… ANYONE IS WELCOME TO APPLY FOR A FIVE MINITE SLOT!
What we mean by Neurodivergent+...
ADHD/Dyslexia/Dyspraxia/Autism/Tourette’s/BPD/BP/ OCD/Schizophrenia/Psychosis/Mania/Depression/Anxiety
MixMatched seeks to strengthen Neurodivergent+ Identity, Culture, and Community but does not discriminate between neurotypes; our ‘+’ incorporates anyone who finds MixMatched a safe and accepting creative space (neurotypicals included). We seek to support a range of marginalized individuals.
EVERYONE is welcome to perform, attend, and volunteer at any of our events and workshops 🙂
our events are LGBTQIA+ friendly 🙂
We promote understandings and recognition towards a number of our community’s intersecting and overlapping Neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ identities (such as Autigender, Gendervaugue, Bordergender…)
We encourage Neuroqueer and Neurogender identity/expression at all our events, but we also have several events that specifically explore Neuroqueer and Neurogender identities.
Solidarity, fRIENDSHIP, COMMUNITY
Many of our organizers, performers and attendees are Neurodivergent. MixMatched promotes understandings surrounding Neurodivergent access and communication.
A huge component of MixMatched is to provide a compassionate space where likeminded creative individuals can speak and be listened to by others who have faced similar experiences and/or adversities.
In providing fun, safe spaces that embolden Neurodivergent+ individuals to feel confident sharing their voice, developing their own creative practice, and finding community, we promote inclusive practice, empathy and understanding surrounding Neurodivergent experience and identity. (as well as having a fab time while doing so!)
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HOW WE BEGAN...
Since February 2022 MixMatched has hosted monthly performance nights as well as creative workshops, (and socials) which promote Neurodivergent+ identify, creativity, connection, and community.
We provide accommodating, friendly events, space and opportunities for individuals to network and gain confidence as creatives and performers.
We aim to create a relaxed, accepting, accessible community where facilitators, attendees and creatives feel at ease. Our events promote solidarity and consolidation, but most of all we want everyone to feel listened to and have a good time!
Many of ‘us’ organisers are Neurodivergent. One of the most encouraging developments has been seeing a number of other Neurodivergent+ individuals, many who have never performed before, feel comfortable expressing themselves upon our stage. Members of our community, through MixMatched, have connected, made lasting friendships, and even formed performance groups (Autistic Avengers!.)
MixMatched provides a space where a number of Neurodivergent+ individuals, many of whom have previous experiences of isolation/alienation (including us organizers!), can uncover a sense of solidarity and kinship within an accepting, supportive community. Performers are welcome (and encouraged) to perform on any topic and genre, however many feel comfortable creating material that is directly reflective of their ND+ experiences; listening to ND+ creatives speak in their own voices, upon elements of identity and existence promotes self-empathy, compassion and understanding, and hopefully helps builds more rounded appreciations of community
our PERFORMANCES
Many of our organizers, performers and attendees are Neurodivergent. MixMatched promotes understandings surrounding Neurodivergent access and communication.
A huge component of MixMatched is to provide a compassionate space where likeminded creative individuals can speak and be listened to by others who have faced similar experiences and/or adversities.
our Workshops
We run a range of professional workshops to hone specific skills and build confidence. So far our workshops have ranged:
Creative Writing, Performance, Poetry, Improvisational Comedy, Zine Making, Arts and Crafts, Jewellery Making
Two of our most popular workshops are:
Page to Stage: A ‘split’ creative workshop that starts with creative writing and then focuses on reading and performance skills.
No More Rainman: A creative writing workshop focusing upon authentic autistic voice, avoiding stereotypes, and ethical considerations.
our drive and aims...
- We encourage individuals to feel confident having a voice and a space where they feel listened to.
- We wish to uncover and explore innovative developing forms of art, culture, and identity, and are excited by inventive, new modes of expression and the potential of Neurodivergent+ Culture, Writing, Art and Performance.
- We support people who have often felt isolated in sharing, celebrating and accepting elements of self, and want Neurodivergent+ individuals to feel secure in having a more positive sense of identity/creative identity, and community.
- We create accessible spaces for like-minded creatives to feel comfortable sharing, performing, networking and connecting with one another.
- We encourage members of our creative community to hone their skills through our professional events and workshops.
- We support MixMatched creatives and performers in gaining further professional opportunities.
- We want to host fantastic, original events that showcase new talent, and for everyone in attendance to have a fab time!
