The Transforming Autism Care Consortium’s Autism Festival is a biennial event that celebrates the intersection of art, science, and community. By fostering meaningful engagement and knowledge sharing, the festival invites individuals across Québec to experience, understand, and appreciate diverse perspectives within the neurodivergent community.
A Legacy of Inclusion and Innovation
The first Autism Festival in 2019 laid the foundation for what would become a unique tradition. Bringing together researchers, educators, artists, and community members, the inaugural event highlighted Québec’s successes in neurodevelopmental science and inclusive practices. Through workshops and activities, participants explored the convergence of science, culture, and society, sparking interest in autism research and advocacy.
By 2021-2022, the festival adapted to the challenges of the pandemic with the Creation Initiative, a virtual exhibit showcasing the work of 19 autistic artists. This interactive platform provided a space for artists to express their creativity while raising awareness about the diversity within the autistic community. The Maison de la Culture in Pointe-aux-Trembles further extended the festival’s reach by displaying artworks from six autistic adults. “These exhibits were more than artistic expressions,” said a participating artist. “They were conversations about our lives and passions.”
Figure 1. Sculptor, illustrator, painter, what Benjamin Lachapelle does is as versatile as he is passionate about animals. Here’s how the 19-year-old is turning his art into a budding business.
Figure 2. 23-year-old Marc-Antoine Bolduc discovered a unique way to express his joys and sorrows, as well as his hopes and dreams. Watch him share his hidden talent for slam poetry.
Autism Festival 2024: Back in Person
Returning to an in-person format, the 2024 Autism Festival offered:
- “Tisser des liens” Workshop at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: This inclusive event brought together autistic adults and student members of TACC for an inclusive tour of the museum and to create art inspired by their interactions. “This art workshop was a celebration of belonging and shared creativity,” said one participant.
Figure 3. Co-organized by the TACC Community Engagement Committee and Giant Steps, this event highlighted the importance of inclusive spaces for autistic individuals.
- Creating Inclusive Spaces Café Scientifique at Giant Steps: Centered on inclusive architecture and design, this event featured a panel of experts and community members who explored how built environments can better support autistic individuals. Virginie Lasalle, a researcher and design specialist, showcased neuroinclusive library models created by her students. “This was a step in reimagining spaces that reflect the diversity of our communities,” she noted.
Participants appreciating the chance to connect, share, and contribute to a more inclusive society.
Looking Ahead
The next Autism Festival, anticipated for the 2026-2027 season, promises to build on this legacy by further uniting art, research, and lived experience. Through these efforts, TACC continues to foster a society that celebrates neurodiversity, demonstrating that inclusion is not just a goal but a shared responsibility.
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