DROP THE MASK PROJECT

What does 'Drop the Mask' mean?

Drop the Mask is a play on a words – inviting members and audiences to Drop their Masks.

By this we mean creating spaces and places where the 'need' to mask neurodivergent traits and behaviours is DROPPED and people feel comfortable, safe, brave and supported.

People feel like they belong.

What is Masking?

Masking, is where individuals (usually via environment, societal and cultural factors) feel compelled to ‘mask’ their neurodivergent (ND) traits.

Thus arguably hiding their true selves from others for fear of rejection, misunderstanding, labelling, stereotyping, neurotypical bias, career and educational impacts and ultimately for fear of judgement by their peers, colleagues and society at large.

Masking has been shown to be exceptionally damaging to ND individuals and contributes to increased rates of anxiety, depression, personality disorders, self-harm and suicide ideation and attempts. For various reasons and spanning all ages, races, ethnicities and walks of life, the attempted suicide rates amongst ND communities are much higher than national averages across all age groups and backgrounds, as are the success rates.

Masking impacts every aspect of ND individuals' lives - from education, to work and career, family, friendships, cultural, sporting and social activities etc. EVERYTHING. ALL THE TIME. The rates of unemployment, part-time employment, underemployment and work-force drop out amongst ND individuals are higher than those for neurotypical individuals.

*Image credit - Jag Jutley-Neilson - taken at the Resonate Arts and Culture Festival May 30th 2025. Arts exhibition, mask making, in conversation with the project team and spoken word performances.

In light of the current state of play for ND people, we want to deeply and empathetically explore the real lived experience of neurodivergence at the University of Warwick and beyond. In keep with CollaborACTIONLink opens in a new window thinking we are aiming to do this via collaboration and co-creation with the local arts and cultural sector and local communities in Coventry and Warwickshire.

We aim to connect people, ideas and projects and contribute to all the wonderful work already happening here in Warwick and in Coventry and Warwickshire.

What is the Drop the Mask Project?

Drop the Mask: Neurodivergence, Identity, Creativity and Empathy (DM-NICE)

Drop the Mask is an inter and transdisciplinary community that brings together internal and external stakeholders via innovative and unexpected methods. We aim to co-produce participatory research and co-create artistic pieces, workshops and events to explore and further understand, share and celebrate the lived experience of neurodivergent individuals within and beyond the University of Warwick and Coventry area; focussed on the key aims of;

1) Furthering knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity,

2) Creating a local community of neurodivergent individuals and allies to support health and wellbeing of members and those that are impacted.

3) To influence internal and external policies and strategies, ensuing that there is ‘nothing about us without us’ and that ND communities are not only listened to and looked to for advice and box checking – but are truly consulted and collaborated with, being both heard and seen.

We also recognise that ND people masking/unmasking impacts the loved ones and carers of ND people and we invite those who love and support a ND individual to join us. And yes, we realise that neurotypical people mask at times also, we all do, we all need to 'fit in' at different times. It's the extent to which this happens, the frequency, depth and breadth. Whilst neurotypical may find themselves 'masking' in certain situations, such as some work scenarios or special events etc., ND people can find themselves masking everywhere, all the time. Even in their own homes, with their own families.

Our First Creative Workshop with John Bernard - Coventry Poet Laureate

On May 20th 2025, Drop the Mask held a creative workshop designed to provide a safe, expressive space for individuals who are diagnosed as neurodivergent, are seeking a diagnosis, or are closely connected to neurodivergency—such as parents, carers, and support workers.

Delivered in collaboration with the exceptional—John Bernard (spoken word) and Nivaria Salas Morales (photography), and India Holme (visual arts)—the workshop offered participants the opportunity to explore identity, expression, and self-acceptance through multiple artistic forms.

Participants engaged in open, exploratory sessions where they could reflect on personal experiences and perspectives in a supportive environment. Through spoken word, photography, and visual art, the workshop encouraged attendees to “drop the mask” and express themselves authentically, promoting understanding, visibility, and connection within the neurodivergent community.

This project aimed not only to nurture individual creativity but also to raise awareness and foster dialogue around neurodiversity, challenging stereotypes and embracing the richness of different minds.

Resonate Festival and our First Drop the Mask Exhibition and public workshop

In the beautiful Faculty of Arts Building at the University of Warwick, on a sunny day at the end of May 2025 we shared the beginning of our exhibition, and people have started to add more to it.

Thank you to the Warwick Institute of Engagement and Resonate Team, we had a great day. Also huge thanks to the team and all our lovely visitors.

We added lots more - and got some feedback about the project.

Feedback is our fuel - we need it to develop.

Research and development co-creation workshop

In April 2025, members of the core team came together to co-create the arts workshops and continue to develop the concept and vision for Drop the Mask, both as a community research project and as an arts-based co-creative exploration into ND lived experience that will produce creative outputs such as poetry and photography.

We invite other to join us a long the way as we continue to grow the project.

Adela Glynn-Davies

Head of Warwick's Design Studies department

Workshop lead - Photography

In her role at the university Adela works on practice-led pedagogy and research, weaving industry, public and academia towards impactful learning and applications for sustainable development. She is an internationally experienced multidisciplinary designer working on systems change and complexity driven design with a focus on community-led practice and radical methods for co-design.

John Bernard

Coventry Poet Laureate

Workshop lead - Spoken Word

John is a Coventry based poet, rapper & writer hailing from Stoke Aldermore. John uses his artistry to inspire, influence and invigorate his listeners with meaningful messages. His work commentates on social issues, youth empowerment, faith and purpose.

India Holme

Research and Impact Services Development Manager (Regional)

Workshop lead - Art

With over 15 years of experience, including work at a Local Authority and the University of Warwick, India is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary project manager skilled in relationship-building, research engagement, and translation. India is also formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition and in the process for Attention Deficit Hyperactivty Disorder.

Growing up India received various diagnoses that never made sense or helped, among with medication that often made things worse. A later in life diagnosis, whilst hard, has been very helpful, gaining understanding, self-compassion, community and support. Whilst attempting to learn more, unmask and ask for help, India processed and reframed many life events and experiences via art making, and wants to encourage and support others to try it.