Milton Keynes to Launch UK's Largest Neurodiversity Art Installation☂️

Launching with an opening ceremony on Saturday, 15th March at The Boulevard in Midsummer Place shopping centre, the event will begin with presentations from 10am, followed by a day of performances, activities, and a neurodiversity marketplace where visitors can explore local support services from 11am to 5pm.

The project is the vision of local leaders Jane Lambert, Jerry Taylor, Amanda Wright, Adam Moore, Sarah Sweet-Rowley, Sammy King, Lisa Hathway, Jill Farnsworth, Sue Pardy, Gamiel Yafai, and Jon Manning, with the generous support of Midsummer Place (headline sponsor), Red Bull Technology, Perfectly Autistic, Kuehne+Nagel, Liz Male Consulting Ltd, and many other local businesses, organisations, and individuals. The vibrant display spans the entire width and length of The Boulevard in Midsummer Place—an area stretching over 43 metres long and 20 metres wide.

The colourful umbrellas represent the wide spectrum of neurodivergent experiences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Each umbrella symbolises a unique way of thinking, learning, and engaging with the world. The Umbrella Project is a powerful statement that Milton Keynes is championing the movement towards greater understanding, acceptance, and celebration of neurodiversity.

At its core, the project aims to challenge misconceptions, reshape narratives, and advocate for a more inclusive society.

With Midsummer Place providing a high-profile and visually striking location for this six-month-long display, the project will make a lasting impact. The organisers are incredibly grateful for the venue’s support in bringing this ambitious installation to life.

This initiative arrives at a crucial time. While 96% of employers acknowledge the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce, 1 in 5 autistic individuals in the UK remain unemployed—a figure that equates to over 55,000 people in Milton Keynes alone. This stark reality highlights the pressing need for greater inclusion and awareness.

Jane Lambert, Project Manager and CEO of Makewell Clinic, said:

“We are thrilled to bring this incredible installation to Midsummer Place and to highlight the importance of recognising neurodiversity through a universal art piece. An umbrella provides protection, much like the neurodiversity movement, which advocates for acceptance, understanding, and inclusion. It symbolises the creation of safe spaces for everyone, regardless of neurological differences. We invite people to visit the centre, experience The Umbrella Project, and learn more about the neurodivergent community around them. Our goal is to educate, advocate, and celebrate.”

Opening Ceremony Schedule

📍 Midsummer Place, The Boulevard – Saturday, 15th March

🕙 10:00 – 11:00 | Presentations from:

• Jane Lambert (CEO, Makewell Clinic & Project Lead)
• Simon Martin (General Manager, Midsummer Place)
• Ife Thomas (Motivational Speaker, Author & Coach)
• Chris Curtis MP
• Acting Chief Constable Denis Murray, Thames Valley Police

🎭 Performances & Talks Throughout the Day:
🕛 12:00 | Milton Keynes Dance Centre Performance
🕧 12:30 | Talk by Hester Grainger (ADHD Coach & Speaker, Perfectly Autistic)
🕐 13:00 | Milton Keynes Dance Centre Performance
🕜 13:30 | Talk by Bekka Prideaux (Dyslexic Business Owner)
🕑 14:00 | Spectrum Community Arts Performance
🕝 14:30 | Talk by Hester Grainger
🕒 15:00 | MacIntyre Dancers Performance
🕞 15:30 | Talk by Nikki Ross (Late-Diagnosed ADHD, Retired Acting Chief Constable, Thames Valley Police)
🕓 16:00 | Milton Keynes Dance Centre Performance

Supporting Organisations on the Day

Visitors can connect with local businesses, charities, and organisations that support the neurodivergent community, including:

• The Parks Trust
• Harry’s Rainbow
• We Make Footballers
• Diversity Marketplace
• MK College
• Kuehne+Nagel
• DAFS
• Willen Hospice
• Untangle My String Art
• Spectrum CA
• MacIntyre
• Ride High
• Headway
• YMCA
• Autism Early Support
• MK Gallery
• Your Space Foundation
• MK Council
• Red Bull Technology
• Perfectly Autistic
• Woodlands School
• Thames Valley Police
• Makewell
• Talk Back

We warmly invite the Milton Keynes community and beyond to attend this landmark event and join us in celebrating neurodiversity.

Project Sponsors & Contributors

The Umbrella Project Team:

• Jane Lambert – CEO, Makewell Clinic
• Jerry Taylor – Director, TRT Communications & Commercial Business Manager
• Amanda Wright – Founder Director, Yellowyoyo
• Adam Moore – Partner, Moore Growth Accountants LLP
• Sarah Sweet-Rowley – CEO, Autism Early Support
• Samantha King – Mental Health Service Outreach Manager, Makewell Clinic
• Lisa Hathway
• Jill Farnsworth – CEO, MyMiltonKeynes
• Sue Pardy – HR Consultant, Face2Face HR
• Gamiel Yafai – Founder & CEO, Diversity Marketplace
• Jon Manning – Founder & CEO, Arthur Ellis

Headline Sponsors:

• Midsummer Place
• Red Bull Technology
• Perfectly Autistic
• Kuehne+Nagel
• Liz Male Consulting Ltd

Additional Sponsors & Partners:

• Holiday Inn MK
• Harry’s Rainbow
• Flynn Pharma
• MK College
• Moore Growth Accountants
• Makewell Clinic
• We Make Footballers (Milton Keynes)
• Diversity Marketplace
• Giraffe
• Volkswagen Group UK Ltd
• EMW Law LLP
• Handelsbanken MK
• InFlow Media

The Umbrella Project will remain on display at Midsummer Place until September 2025.