Spectra is for neurodivergent creatives of any discipline – artists, craftspeople, writers, musicians, arts organisers, etc. – who are interested in exploring leadership in the arts. 

You don’t need to be in a leadership role already – just open to reflecting, learning, and growing in community with others.

No. Spectra is about discovering what leadership means to you and recognising the ways you may already lead – in your creative work, community, or through care and advocacy.

We use “neurodivergent” as an umbrella term for people whose brains work differently from what’s considered typical – for example, autistic, dyslexic, or dyspraxic people, or people with ADHD, Tourette’s, etc. This is an identity term – you don’t need a formal diagnosis.  

When we say creatives, we mean anyone working in the creative industries – not just visual artists. This could include writers, craftspeople, performers, musicians, filmmakers, curators, arts organisers, or anyone whose work involves creative practice or supporting creativity in others.

Spectra welcomes people from all creative backgrounds and disciplines. What matters most is that you identify as neurodivergent and are interested in exploring what leadership can look like in your creative or community work.

Yes. Self-identification is completely fine. We know that not everyone can or wants to get a diagnosis.

No. You don’t need to come with a clear project you want to lead. Some people might arrive with an idea, others might just be curious – both are welcome. We also particularly welcome people who are interested in taking on a leadership role within Neuk Collective.

Yes. The programme includes reflection, mentoring, and creative activities that can help you clarify your direction and values.

There are nine group sessions (2 hours each, including breaks), plus up to eight mentoring sessions, a one-hour expert consultation, and some light reflection or creative work between sessions. It’s designed to fit alongside other work or projects.

We understand that illness and emergencies happen. We ask you to attend all sessions, if possible, as the group relies on consistency and trust. If you can’t make one, please let us know as soon as you can.

All sessions take place online via Zoom, with breaks built in. They’re designed to be accessible, reflective, and interactive, using a mix of discussion, creative exercises, and peer learning.

 Meetings are on:

• 6 April 2026
• 4 May 2026
• 8 June 2026
• 6 July 2026
• 3 August 2026
• 7 September 2026
• 5 October 2026
• 2 November 2026
• 15 February 2027

Meetings are on Monday evenings.

Getting to know your peers is a really important part of the programme so we urge you to attend all sessions live if you possibly can. But sessions may sometimes recorded (with everyone’s consent) so you can revisit them later. Slides and notes are always shared afterwards.

We have tried to make the baseline accessibility of the programme as high as possible. We also have a dedicated access budget to help make sessions accessible to you. Please feel free to send us your access rider, or any specific requirements you have.

Yes – within our access budget. Please tell us what you need in your application or get in touch to discuss it.

You’ll have up to eight one-to-one sessions with an experienced neurodivergent creative mentor, but what that looks like in practice is up to you and your mentor. You will choose what you want to focus on in the sessions.

Yes. We’re recruiting a small pool of potential mentors for you to choose from. We’ll check that you’re happy with the match before sessions begin. We understand how important it is that you and your mentor ‘click’.

Yes. All participants are paid for their time in the programme, including group sessions, evaluation, and work on the collaborative project.

Payments are made in instalments over the course of the programme, by bank transfer. We’ll share a clear payment schedule before the first session.

Yes. We are aware that many disabled creatives are unable to do paid work but could still benefit from a programme like Spectra. If this is you, please let us know when you apply. If you are selected, we will arrange a meeting to talk about alternative ways we can support you, for example with extra training or mentoring.

We don’t know yet – that’s for the group to decide! You’ll work together to create a small collaborative creative work that reflects your shared learning and values. There is space in the programme to decide this together.

We don’t know yet – it’s flexible and will be shaped by the group. The focus is on the process, putting the principles and knowledge you’ve gained during the programme into practice.

We’ll hold a final reflection and sharing session, and we hope you’ll stay connected through your peer network and our wider community. We hope participants will continue to collaborate or support each other after the programme.

Yes. Spectra aims to build lasting peer relationships. We’ll help you stay in touch and share opportunities beyond the programme.

Absolutely. We know that group situations can be challenging. Sessions are small, structured, and designed to feel safe and supportive. There is space in the programme to get to know each other and establish safety. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you.

We use clear communication, relaxed pacing, and regular breaks. We know that people’s energy and comfort levels vary, so you can sometimes join with your camera off or use the chat instead of speaking if that helps.

At the same time, we try to build a real sense of connection in the group. When you can, we encourage having cameras on or finding another way to show you’re present – such as responding in chat or using reactions. This helps everyone feel part of the same space, even online.

We will check in regularly about what’s working for everyone and adjust as we go.

You can apply in writing, by video, or by audio. We’ve kept it simple – we just want to hear who you are, why you’re interested, and what you hope to explore.

We have 3 ways to apply:

You can apply in writing using our online application form. You can also upload audio or video answers using this form.Or if you want the whole application form to be in video, you can use our VideoAsk form.

If you prefer to use Easy Read, you can apply in writing using our Easy Read application form.

Yes – we welcome video or audio applications. Choose whatever format is most accessible for you. 

We have 3 ways to apply:

You can apply in writing using our online application form. You can also upload audio or video answers using this form.Or if you want the whole application form to be in video, you can use our VideoAsk form.

If you prefer to use Easy Read, you can apply in writing using our Easy Read application form.

We will get back to you to tell you if you made the shortlist by Friday 13th of February.

You can contact the Door in the Wall/Neuk Collective team at neuk@doorinthewall.co.uk