I’m Tom, a freelance theatre and live events Producer and I have ADHD and Dyslexia. DIVERGE is a coworking space where neurodivergent creatives can get together and build solidarity, support and collaborations.
In partnership with Creative Cardiff, I am hosting this monthly space for neurodivergent* creatives working in the cultural sector in South Wales to come together to work and connect. The day will be structured to include some coworking, networking, a short talk and Q+A from a fellow neurodivergent creative and time for peer mentoring and ideas-development.
*you might have a formal diagnosis or you may be self-identifying
How to get to the space
DIVERGE takes place at Tramshed Tech in Cardiff (The Station), a five-minute walk from Cardiff Central Station. Take a look at how to walk to the space from the station.
The venue address is Unit D, Pendyris St, Cardiff, CF11 6BH, next door to the Tramshed music venue.
Limited paid parking is available outside the venue.
Once you arrive, head to reception and they will direct you to the room.
Plan for the day
10:00 – 11:00: Check-in at the front desk and get settled into the room and your working day
11:00 – 11:30am Cuppa and 'find out who is in the room', hosted by Tom
11:00 – 13:00 Coworking time (you may choose to take some time for lunch here)
13:00 – 14:00 15 minute inspiration talk plus Q+A and reflection time (Talk delivered by Kyle Stead, bio and more info below)
14:00 – 16:00 Co-working time
16:00 – 17:00 Getting Unstuck Session: Tom will facilitate a chat to talk through anything we want to work through together/in pairs
17:00 – 17:30 Wrap up/half hour to finish anything urgent!
What to expect
DIVERGE is a friendly, focused work environment!
You are very welcome to chat and take calls during the day - please bring headphones and be mindful of volume as some people may want to spend the time focusing on emails/calls. Please take screen breaks as you need. We will also reserve smaller meeting rooms in case they’re needed for calls / meetings. Tea, coffee, water and cake will be provided!
If you have any access needs or questions, please let me know by emailing tombevanwork@gmail.com, cc’ing creativecardiff@cardiff.ac.uk
Please note that spaces are limited for DIVERGE so please cancel your ticket if you can no longer attend.
This project was originally commissioned by Cultural Freelancers Wales and is now supported by the Arts Council Wales Sharing Together Fund.
Book your place
tombevanwork@gmail.com
This month's inspiration talk
Kyle Stead (he/him)
Kyle is a neurodivergent benefit class multidisciplinary artist from the South Wales Valleys. His practices include but are not limited to performing, spoken word, videography, theatre making and more.
He has a high interest in taking real life experiences to create work that offers audiences a raw, gritty and authentic insight into the world that is being created. Kyle is passionate about creating working environments that are trauma informed. This is important to boldly explore and be brave with creative choices. He wants to fight the underrepresentation of artists from low socio-economic backgrounds. While also looking at improving working conditions for neurodivergent individuals.
As a school dropout, Kyle is passionate about alternative education. Using the creative industry as a space for discovery, experimentation and celebration. Kyle uses spoken word poetry as a form of expression, often fusing his words with beatboxing. As someone who has struggled with his mental health and the ability to control his anger, he has found comfort in using the artform of spoken word as his release.
Kyle was a recipient of the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursary 2020-2022.
