Thursday was a great success…
It went exactly as planned, and that in itself says a lot about the people behind it. Lindsey (Colliers) had put lots of time into making it special. The level of detail, organisation, and care that went into bringing the gallery together again was clear from the moment people walked in. Everything she did set the tone for what this space represents going forward.
First, I was picked up by the Eklectics team, and we went straight to the XYZ Building, Spinningfields, Manchester. It was great to reconnect with the Lord Mayor of Manchester and meet everyone who came down. Some were familiar faces, and some were new ones – but the one thing that was consistent throughout the event was genuine support. Not surface-level, but real engagement.
The event opened with Lindsey’s speech, followed by the Lord Mayor, who spoke before officially unveiling the new plaque: The Loveartpix Neurodivergent Perspective Gallery. This was very special to me, and it formalised what this space has become – not a temporary installation, but a permanent fixture in Spinningfields.
Following the unveiling, we went straight into something new. On the monitor, a digital version of myself delivered a short talk and a thank-you speech. This is something I’ve been developing with the support of Picsart – not as a gimmick, but as a solution. Presentations and events, for me, create sensory overload and potential meltdowns – they come with a real cost. So, a way of getting around this, I wanted to create something that allows me to still show up, still communicate, and still connect, just in a way that actually works for me and takes away some of the stress.
We haven’t fully nailed the voice yet (at the moment, I sound like I’ve walked straight out of Top Boy), but even with that, the response was strong. People got it and understood what it represents – and that’s the point. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about access and finding ways to exist in spaces that haven’t been built with you in mind.
The level of support throughout the afternoon reinforced that this gallery holds weight. Local MPs, the Honorary Consulate of Belgium, the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, alongside professionals, services, and members of the public – all in one room, engaging with the same message.
We also had lots of visual coverage on the day. Department, based in Spinningfields, was there capturing the event, alongside Eklectics continuing their documentation, and my good friend Paul Moore came to shoot the day as well.
This wasn’t just a relaunch; it was a huge milestone. One year on from the original opening, and now positioned as a permanent space, the gallery has already proven its value as an educational environment. Schools, colleges, universities, and community groups have come through to engage with neurodivergence in a way that challenges what they think they know. This will continue now, but on a stronger foundation.
This has also taken place during Neurodiversity Acceptance Month, so the message reinforces the positive impact of this Gallery. Awareness alone does nothing if it isn’t backed by action. What this gallery represents is just that – from passive recognition to active engagement.
It also marks a significant step forward in my collaboration with Colliers. This demonstrates that awareness, acceptance, and active support of neurodiversity within professional environments is not optional – it is essential if we are serious about building a more inclusive society. This is what leadership looks like when it actually aligns with action.
A massive thank you to everyone who took the time to come and show love and support at the launch. I appreciate each and every one of you.
If you would like to visit the gallery, please contact me directly at loveartpix@icloud.com.
Photography credit: Paul Moore paulmoorephotography@yahoo.com
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Next Exhibition: The Hero Within – 30th April (Tomorrow) Piccadilly Place, Manchester (12:00–17:00)
The momentum continues with The Hero Within, a powerful exhibition built around a collaborative project with neurodivergent children from Crossgates Primary School. This is not just an exhibition – it is a reflection of identity being understood, supported, and transformed into strength.
Each piece has been co-designed with the children, allowing them to express who they are on their own terms. Through structured guidance and creative collaboration, they have developed characters, identities, and narratives that reflect their lived experience. The outcome is a collection of artwork that builds confidence, amplifies voice, and challenges how society perceives neurodivergent young people.
It is honest. It is raw. And it shows exactly what happens when the right support meets the right environment.
Come and join us. Show some support to finish off neurodiversity acceptance month, and continue to boost awareness through positive action.
