Announcing Neurokind

a collaborative publication for neurodivergent artists & writers

I’m excited to announce a new collaborative publication which I am launching in 2024.

Neurokind is a publication and exhibition space for neurodivergent artists & writers.

The vision behind this project is to curate and archive neurodivergent experience through creative expression.

Art is a powerful form of communication.

I believe this project has the potential to:

• kindle connection and community

• amplify causes and topics we are passionate about

• provide first hand accounts of lived neurodivergent experience

Neurodivergent individuals are often spoken for and talked over. This gives us a chance to tell our own stories in whatever mediums we find most natural.

Neurodivergence includes, but is not limited to those who are autistic, ADHD, OCD, syntesthetes, dyspraxic, dyslexic, dyscalculic, etc. It also includes those with sensory processing differences such as hyper sensitivity or hypo sensitivity.

This publication respects self identification.

No diagnosis is required to contribute.

Neurokind will endeavor to represent a diverse range of experiences.

This includes, but is not limited to race, gender, sexuality, age, etc.

No hate speech or trolling will be tolerated in this space.

This is an independent, volunteer run publication.

I’m your curator

Sarah Shotts

. But we may bring on more curators, editors, and collaborators as the project grows.

Here’s an overview of what I have planned for 2024…

• Digital Publication (2 issues a year, right here on Substack)

• Virtual Exhibition (with a possible grass roots physical exhibition if there is enough interest)

There will be a rolling open call to submit work for publication and exhibition.

Work must be related to the yearly theme (but may be interpreted however you wish.)

The Neurokind theme for 2024 will be announced in January.

There will be virtual Artist Residencies in 3-4 different mediums. These will highlight artists who undertake a creative project and share their process with us throughout the year.

These artists will be invited to offer a workshop, talk, or happening in the format that is most accessible to them (prerecorded video, podcast, live Zoom, printable PDF, or something completely outside the box.)

If the body of work is completed there will be the opportunity to exhibit or publish work through Neurokind. This will likely be virtual, unless we have more financial support than expected.

Which brings us to the…

Neurokind is a passion project.

There will be no paywall. The publication is free to all.

This is not a business enterprise. It’s not a side hustle. It’s not a marketing funnel.

Should you choose to support Neurokind every dollar earned will go back into the project.

Your monthly pledge (or one time donation) can help fund:

• Printed Zines

• Books

• Exhibition Spaces

And more.

We create the world we want to live in. I’m putting in the editing and curatorial work. (I can’t explain how many hours it’s taken me to just get this far.) If you’d like to pitch in to cover the costs of fonts, domain name (we got neurokind.art), and more you can do so below.

You can also send a one time donation directly to me through Venmo. If you do, please include the note “Neurokind” so I know what it’s for.

If you’re interested in this project I’d love to hear from you below.

What do you make? What are you curious about? What are you passionate about?

Please also leave a link to where I can see, read, or listen to your work.

And chat amongst yourselves. If you see someone whose work or ideas resonate… say hello! Some of my best friendships were started this way.

I can’t wait to meet you all and make things together.

-

Sarah Shotts