Autism and the arts

What can creatives can do to help raise acceptance and awareness of neurodiverse artists living with autism?
detail of colourful abstract painting

In a world so confined by social and economic structures, there’s a strong overlap between two outlying communities: the artists and people with autism. 

Both of these groups face struggles existing authentically in our current mode of society: the artists put down their tools of creation to work “day jobs” to pay the bills while the individuals with autism put on a mask to evade criticism and scrutiny of their “different” ways of being. 

Unlock Padlock Icon

Unlock this content?

Access this content and more

The Big Idea | Te Aria Nui is New Zealand’s online hub for creative people. Our aim is to support talented, innovative individuals and organisations, back the creative industries and advocate for creativity as an essential ingredient in the cultural and economic wealth of New Zealand. The Big Idea provides resources for the whole creative sector, including those seeking to turn their ‘big ideas’ into viable projects, careers and businesses. We are the go-to destination for work opportunities, event listings, arts stories and creative inspiration. The Big Idea is a not-for-profit trust started in 2001 and is New Zealand’s longest running creative sector website.