Call for Creative Consultant – Developing neuro-affirmative approaches to access and inclusion

Developing a creative approach to embedding equal access and opportunity for neuro-diverse audiences, artists, volunteers and organisers in Wexford’s cultural festival scene:

Fee: €8,000, with €2,000 for materials and travel (€10,000 in total).

Timeframe: February-October 2025

Gorey Municipal District hosts upwards of seven festivals a year, including Gorey Comedy Festival, Market House Festival, St Patrick’s Day Festival, Culture Night, and the Gap Arts Festival. We are seeking to increase understanding about how to create better access for neurodiverse audiences, artists, volunteers and organisers in and around these festivals.

Creative Ireland Wexford and Gorey Municipal District now seek a creative consultant to test and embed bespoke inclusive and neuro-affirmative approaches to access and inclusion at Gorey’s festivals. The learning from this will be shared county-wide, helping County Wexford to develop inclusive creative spaces, widen access for audience, artist and workforce development, and support and embed relaxed performances.

Working alongside an advisory group made up of various neurodivergent voices (adults, teens, and professionals working in the area), the consultant will:

1. Identify gaps in provision for more inclusive festivals and events, and where local neurodivergent needs are not being met;
2. Develop and introduce a range of bespoke and innovative events and resources that support meaningful festival-going experiences for audiences who are neurodivergent;
3. Advise on and initiate pathways that support neurodiverse festival artists and workforces (including volunteers) and respond to their needs;
4. Consider an integrated and strategic approach to change which includes , aligning resources, capability, capacity to achieve greater efficiencies and improved outcomes with regard to access and inclusion across Gorey’s festivals with a view to a county-wide roll-out.

To apply
Please send a written proposal of no more than three pages to elizabeth.howard@wexfordcoco.ie by 5 pm on Thursday 23 January 2025. The proposal must detail:

• What your methods will be when addressing each of the four tasks above;
• What the outcomes will be;
• Your plans for community engagement.

A CV must be included as well as pictures and/or other examples of your previous work.

If you have access issues and require another form of submission, please contact elizabeth.howard@wexfordcoco.ie.