University of Atypical for Arts and Disability

University of Atypical for Arts and Disability We are a multi-art form organisation which means we work with all types of visual, verbal, performance, music, craft and creative arts.

We are a disabled-led charity developing, showcasing and promoting work by D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists, and work to make the arts more accessible for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and audiences. University of Atypical for Arts and Disability is a disabled-led arts charity, taking an empowerment based approach towards supporting disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse people

’s involvement in the arts. Our focus is working with people across all disabilities, neurodiversities and the d/Deaf community. We deliver a year-round programme of exhibitions and events, training and workshops. Our annual Bounce Arts Festival, The Atypical Gallery, the Ledger Studio performance space and our grant awards for disabled, d/Deaf and neurodiverse artists of all arts disciplines are key aspects of our work. If you are an artist, arts organisation, interested in volunteering or work within the disability sector, we would love to hear from you. We are core funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, The Ireland Funds and supported by a range of other funders.

'University of Atypical for Arts and Disability' operates under the legal name of 'Arts and Disability Forum'. Registered office address is Ground Floor, 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT1 1FF
Company Registration Number is NI051776
Charity number 101588

Join us at Atypical Gallery for Late Night Art Belfast on Thursday 6 August, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.If you're in Belfast en...
03/08/2026

Join us at Atypical Gallery for Late Night Art Belfast on Thursday 6 August, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

If you're in Belfast enjoying the music, atmosphere and festivities of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, why not take a break and discover some contemporary art?
Explore ‘What Lies Within’, a group exhibition bringing together the work of artists from across Ireland through Art Is Collective, Connections Arts Centre, and Mencap. These three outstanding organisations support artists with learning disabilities and mental health conditions, delivering programmes that nurture creative skills, confidence, and professional ambition.

Meet fellow art lovers, and spend an evening celebrating creative discovery and community.

Our transport and parking arrangements are disrupted during Fleadh Cheoil so make sure to read our previous posts or the Fleadh Cheoil website for information. If you have a gallery access request, please email [email protected].
We'd love to welcome you!

https://buff.ly/aCgxkyT

Planning a visit to Atypical Gallery during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann?Whether you're visiting What Lies Within, joining ...
01/08/2026

Planning a visit to Atypical Gallery during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann?
Whether you're visiting What Lies Within, joining us for Late Night Art, or simply dropping in while you're enjoying the Fleadh, we're looking forward to welcoming you.
From 2-9 August, Belfast city centre will be much busier than usual, with road closures, traffic restrictions and a pedestrianised event zone in place.

As Atypical Gallery is located in the Cathedral Quarter, we're within the pedestrianised zone. We are open as usual, but we recommend planning your journey in advance and allowing a little extra time to reach us.

If you're travelling into the city, public transport, walking or Park & Ride are recommended where possible. A low-floor shuttle bus will operate on a loop around the city centre daily for anyone with accessibility requirements. Car parks at Smithfield and Dunbar Link will be reserved for Blue Badge holders throughout the Fleadh.

Open Arts will operate an Accessibility Hub providing information, signposting, communication supports and accessible formats. They will be on the first floor of CastleCourt from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on each day of the event.

For the latest travel information, accessibility guidance, and maps, please visit the official Fleadh Cheoil website: https://buff.ly/JNo0A3t.

If you have any questions about accessing the gallery, please email [email protected].

Statement from Board of Trustees, University of Atypical:"After more than five and a half years with University of Atypi...
31/07/2026

Statement from Board of Trustees, University of Atypical:
"After more than five and a half years with University of Atypical, including her time as Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director, Edel Murphy has decided to step down from her role at the end of
August 2026.

We would like to thank Edel for her dedication, leadership and contribution to the organisation during that time. Through her commitment to disability arts and disabled leadership, Edel has played an important role in supporting the growth and profile of University of Atypical and in championing opportunities for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and audiences across Northern Ireland. We are grateful for Edel's contribution and wish her every success in her future personal and professional endeavours.

University of Atypical remains committed to its mission of championing, supporting and creating opportunities for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and audiences. The Board will continue to work closely with our staff, artists, participants, partners and funders as we move through this period of change. We look forward to building on the strong foundations that have been established and continuing to develop an ambitious and inclusive future for disability arts in Northern Ireland."

A statement from Edel Murphy:
"It is with much reflection and gratitude that I have decided to formally step away from my role as CEO and Artistic Director of University of Atypical for Arts and Disability. I am proud to have dedicated over five and a half years in leadership roles within the organisation, the latter years as CEO, and it has been an incredible experience.

I remain deeply committed to the ethos of University of Atypical and the value of the arts, for and by people who are d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent. This decision gives me important space and time to nurture other aspects of my personal life and professional interests. Leading University of Atypical is a very important role and it has been a privilege to speak for and with the disability arts community. To curate and support artists who are d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent and to cultivate a disabled-led team whose talent has driven our growth and shaped a new vision of disability arts culture has been my passion. In leading the organisation I am proud to have elevated University of Atypical as a disabled-led brand, synonymous with integrity, quality and in driving forward the message of equity and inclusion for disabled artists and audiences in Northern Ireland.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues, our funders, volunteers and the board and most of all to the artists who are both the foundation and the pinnacle for all we do. I will always
be proud of what we have accomplished together and wish you all the success for the future."

Atypical Gallery is open additional hours during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann!As Belfast welcomes Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann...
31/07/2026

Atypical Gallery is open additional hours during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann!

As Belfast welcomes Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, we’re delighted to open our doors for an extra day on Monday 3 August, giving visitors another opportunity to explore the gallery while enjoying the music and festivities across the city.

If you’re in the Cathedral Quarter, take a break from the celebrations and discover What Lies Within, a group exhibition bringing together the work of artists from across Ireland through Art Is Collective, Connections Arts Centre, and Mencap.

Our opening hours during Fleadh week are:
Additional opening hours: Monday 3 August, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Usual opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Late Night Art Belfast: Thursday 6 August, 6:00 to 9:00 pm

Whether you’re visiting for the first time, exploring the Cathedral Quarter, or looking for a quieter moment alongside the music and celebrations, we’d love to welcome you.
If you have an access request, please email [email protected].

30/07/2026

Robin Price and University of Atypical are running workshops to get ideas and feedback about Robin’s LED ping-pong table.

We’re looking for Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people to try out the table, and tell us your ideas
We want to think about making the table accessible for everyone, but most of all, we want you to get creative. Give us your weirdest, wildest, strangest notions, even if they sound impossible.

- The sessions will be in the Ledger Studio on Thursday 13 August.
- Each session will last between 90 minutes and 2 hours.
- We can pay each participant £50.
- You can let us know you’re interested by filling out a form. https://buff.ly/1IGYdBq
- You can also call us on 028 9023 9450 or email [email protected]

The BBC have a Writers Pilot programme for d/Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent artists for 2027 – 2028.Selected write...
30/07/2026

The BBC have a Writers Pilot programme for d/Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent artists for 2027 – 2028.

Selected writers will be partnered with independent companies for between 12 and 18 months. They will also be able to attend masterclasses and workshops.

For more information about eligibility and submission, visit the BBC website: https://buff.ly/AlaMVCo.

The deadline is 12:00 pm on Tuesday 4 August 2026.

Our fantastic Ledger Studio is running 3 promotions right now!1. Rehearsal space for artists: artists can book our space...
27/07/2026

Our fantastic Ledger Studio is running 3 promotions right now!

1. Rehearsal space for artists: artists can book our space for just £10 an hour this summer! (Booking form link in bio)

2. First-time bookers get 10% off!

3. Refer-a-friend: For all our previous bookers, refer a friend to get a 10% discount for both you and your referent!

Terms and conditions apply. Email us at [email protected] for more information.

https://forms.gle/ELSH7XMwVuBtAoft7

Our Accessibility Summer Programme got off to a wonderful start on Monday, with both in-person and online attendees.We h...
27/07/2026

Our Accessibility Summer Programme got off to a wonderful start on Monday, with both in-person and online attendees.

We had really animated and insightful conversations about a range of topics, including: the language of the Disability Discrimination Act, the importance of clear communication, ongoing gaps in access at outdoor events and festivals, and the ‘reasonable’ in reasonable adjustments.

We’re really excited about next week’s session, which includes a workshop with the always engaging Paula Clarke, and a closer look at physical access for arts and culture spaces.

Robin Price and University of Atypical are running workshops to get ideas and feedback about Robin’s LED ping-pong table...
21/07/2026

Robin Price and University of Atypical are running workshops to get ideas and feedback about Robin’s LED ping-pong table.

We’re looking for Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people to try out the table, and tell us your ideas.

We want to think about making the table accessible for everyone, but most of all, we want you to get creative. Give us your weirdest, wildest, strangest notions, even if they sound impossible.

- The sessions will be in the Ledger Studio on Thursday 13 August.
- Each session will last between 90 minutes and 2 hours.
- We can pay each participant £50.
- You can let us know you’re interested by filling out a form. The link is tinyurl.com/PingPongChat

- You can also call us on 028 9023 9450 or email [email protected]

We still have some places available on our 4 day Summer Accessibility Programme.Join Jonathan from Atypical, Paula Clark...
14/07/2026

We still have some places available on our 4 day Summer Accessibility Programme.
Join Jonathan from Atypical, Paula Clarke, Margaret Mann, and Soso Ní Cheallaigh and a group of peers from the arts and culture sector. We will learn about disability history and experience, and talk about accessibility in an open and relaxed environment.

When: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on 21 and 28 July, and 18 and 25 August.
Where: Ledger Studio, 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast.

Cost for 4 days: £300 per person from a Belfast-based organisation, £260 per person from an organisation based outside Belfast, and £150 for individuals.

You can book using this link https://buff.ly/c0esZGI

For more information, email [email protected]

Address

Ground Floor, Cathedral Quarter Workspaces, 109-113 Royal Avenue
Belfast
BT11FF

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 5:30pm
Thursday 10am - 5:30pm
Friday 10am - 5:30pm

Telephone

02890239450

Website

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