Milton Keynes is set to become a beacon for neurodiversity awareness with the launch of "The Umbrella Project," the largest art installation of its kind in the UK, featuring nearly 400 suspended coloured umbrellas.
Launching with an opening ceremony on Saturday 15th March at The Boulevard in Midsummer Place shopping centre, there will be presentations from 10am, followed by performances, activities, a neurodiversity marketplace to discover all the local support available and displays throughout the day from 11am until 5pm.
The project, created by local leaders Jane Lambert, Jerry Taylor, Amanda Wright, Adam Moore, Sarah Sweet-Rowley, Sammy King, Lisa Hathway, Jill Farnsworth, Sue Pardy, Gamiel Yafai and Jon Manning and supported by Midsummer Place – headline sponsor -, Red Bull Technology and Perfectly Autistic, Kuehne+Nagel, Liz Male Consulting Ltd and many other local businesses, organisations and individuals, delivers a stunning display of colourful umbrellas that span the width and breadth of Midsummer Place’s Boulevard – a space that is over 43 metres long and 20 metres wide.
The use of umbrellas in various colours symbolise the wide spectrum of neurodivergent experiences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Each umbrella represents a unique way of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world. As such, The Umbrella Project is designed to position Milton Keynes as a city that backs the wider social movement towards more understanding, acceptance and celebration of neurodiversity.
At its heart, The Umbrella Project aims to address this disparity by changing the narrative, challenging misconceptions and promoting a more inclusive society.
The project's location at Midsummer Place, provides a prominent and visually stunning space for the 6 month-long display. This will allow for maximum impact and visibility and we are incredibly grateful for their support in hosting this ambitious display.
This powerful initiative comes at a critical time. While 96% of employers recognise the benefits of a neurodiversity-affirming workplace, a staggering 1 in 5 autistic individuals in the UK remain unemployed, this equates to over 55,000 people in Milton Keynes alone. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for greater acceptance and more inclusive practises.
Jane Lambert, Project Manager, CEO Makewell Clinic, said: “We are excited to bring this fantastic installation to Midsummer Place and to truly highlight the importance of recognising the importance of neurodiversity in a universal art piece. An umbrella provides protection, much like the neurodiversity movement advocates for acceptance, understanding, and inclusion. It signifies creating safe spaces for everyone, regardless of neurological differences. We invite people to visit the centre, experience The Umbrella Project and learn about the neurodivergent community around them. We want to educate, advocate and celebrate.”
The opening ceremony will include
10am – 11am: presentations from Jane Lambert, CEO Makewell Clinic and project lead, Simon Martin, Midsummer Place’s General Manager, Ife Thomas, Motivational speaker, author and coach, Chris Curtis MP, and Acting Chief Constable Denis Murray, Thames Valley Police.
12noon Performance from Milton Keynes Dance Centre
12:30 Talk from Hester Grainger, ADHD coach & speaker from Perfectly Autistic
13:00 Performance from Milton Keynes Dance Centre
13:30 Talk from Bekka Prideaux – a dyslexic business owner who attributes much of her success to her dyslexia
14:00 Spectrum Community Arts performance
14:30 Talk from Hester Grainger
15:00 Performance from MacIntyre dancers
15:30 Talk from Nikki Ross, late diagnosed ADHD, retired Acting Chief Constable, Thames Valley Police.
16:00 Performance from Milton Keynes Dance Centre
The Umbrella Project launch will be supported by the following organisations on the day: The Parks Trust, Harry’s Rainbow, WeMakeFootballers, Diversity Marketplace, MK College, Kuehne+Nagel, DAFS, Willen Hospice, Untangle My String Art, Spectrum CA, MacIntyre, Ride High, Headway, YMCA, Autism Early Support, MK Gallery, Your Space Foundation, MK Council, YMCA, Red Bull Technology, Perfectly Autistic, Woodlands School, Thames Valley Police, Makewell and Talk Back.
We invite everyone in the Milton Keynes community and beyond to witness this significant event and join us in celebrating neurodiversity.
The Milton Keynes Umbrella Project would like to thank the following companies and individuals for their help and support in getting this project over the line.
The Umbrella Project will remain in Midsummer Place until September 2025.
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