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University of Atypical
@universityofatypical.org
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Belfast based disabled-led charity developing, showcasing & promoting work by D/deaf, disabled & neurodivergent artists. Atypical Gallery, Bounce Arts Festival & much more!
www.universityofatypical.org
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universityofatypical.org
We won’t be open this Thursday for Late Night Art as we’re busily installing our new exhibition. Come and see us in the Atypical Gallery from Thursday 13 November for Charys Wilson’s beautiful ‘Half Light’ exhibition. We’ll be open for Late Night Art on Thursday 4 December! buff.ly/8SKVDZC
Photograph of dappled light coming though a tree canopy, the whole image slightly blurred and grey.
November 6, 2025 at 10:44 AM
universityofatypical.org
This workshop, led by artist Charys Wilson, will delve into methods of camera-less photography, using found organic material from our natural environment. Participants will be invited to create artworks that explore the natural world.
A blue flyer with an image in the centre of two pieces of artwork hung by pegs on a line. Green fern leaves are placed around the image. White text sits below which reads “Art and our environment -cyanotype workshop with Charys Wilson” Underneath in black text “Wednesday 3 December 2025 1:30pm -4:30pm Atypical Gallery, Belfast”. To the side is a white outline of hands to show that BSL is available. Smaller white text reads “BSL included. This workshop is free. Booking is essential. “ and “Supported by the Public Health Agency through the Clear project”. At the very bottom of the flyer is a QR code and three logos for Public Health Agency and Clear Project.
November 5, 2025 at 5:23 PM
universityofatypical.org
As part of our International Day of Persons with Disabilities programme, we’re excited to bring back our Creative Networking Event for d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists. This time, we’re focusing on disability arts on the international stage.
People standing in small groups of twos and threes chatting to one another. In the background is a projector screen with text ‘What support do you think is currently missing for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists?’ Large cartoon-like question marks are beside the text.
November 3, 2025 at 9:36 AM
universityofatypical.org
Due to a Met Office weather warning, our office and gallery will be closed tomorrow 30 October. We will reopen on Friday, 31 October.
The image shows a man in a blue raincoat with his back towards the camera. He has dark hair and is holding a blue umbrella. Behind him is a stormy sky.
October 29, 2025 at 3:28 PM
universityofatypical.org
In keeping with our theme this year, Bounce 2025 was Not Just one thing. We had discussions in Belfast and in Derry~Londonderry, premiered a new piece of dance performance, took over a Belfast cafe and showcased D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent writers, comedians, singers and cabaret performers.
A woman with curly dark hair lies on the floor, her knees and arms are bent in. She wears red trousers and a white top. A yellow piece of material is wrapped around her stomach. She looks back towards another woman with short white hair, a white top and light blue trousers. She stands at the back holding the other end of the yellow material. Behind her hanging from the ceiling to the floor are two large pieces of yellow material against a backdrop of black curtains. Two people sit on chairs. On the left is a woman with red hair wearing a black dress with colourful dots. Her hands are signing, fingers pointed down, thumbs together. Beside her sits a woman wearing a bright blue suit with short hair listening. A woman with brown skin wearing a light blue Sari is smiling. Two people with their back to the camera are speaking with her. In the background is white bone like art work hung on white walls. Two spotlights shine on a woman wearing black , a white head veil and holding a piece of paper. Purple lights surround the stage. Beside her is a man signing with his hands. Silhouetted to the front sitting at tables are people watching.
October 29, 2025 at 1:26 PM
universityofatypical.org
Bounce 2025 may have come to a close, but there's still plenty happening at University of Atypical!

Stay up to date by signing up for our monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about what’s coming next.

Sign up here buff.ly/JnCMASK
The image shows the sign up webpage for University Of Atypical membership on a bright blue background. At the bottom of the image is white test reading - Sign up for our monthly newsletter
October 27, 2025 at 9:45 AM
universityofatypical.org
It is Book Week NI!
Here at University of Atypical, we don’t need an excuse to chat about all things book-related.
Our book club is back on 20 November with Octavia E.Butler’s Parable of the Sower.
A teal background with a circular yellow logo for University of Atypical for Arts and Disability. Black text reads: ‘Atypical Book Club. Thursday 20 November 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Ledger Studio, Belfast. All welcome! Book your free place online. Reading: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler.’ To the left of the body text is an image of the book cover. The cover illustration features a stylised image of black woman wearing a red dress and head covering. A pale green background with a tree trunk in the centre. Colourful books create the image of leaves and inside the tree in a glittery gold is ‘10th’. At the top of the image is the writing ‘Read All About It! Book Week NI 20-26 October 2025. At the bottom of the image is the hashtag bookweekni and logo for BBC Northern Ireland and Libraries NI.
October 22, 2025 at 3:58 PM
universityofatypical.org
The last day to visit the current exhibition Passages by Anushyia Sunderalingam is Wednesday 29th October. Passages reflects the embodied experience of navigating both external displacement and internal pain and the exhibition has opened a space for interesting conversations in the gallery.
Two people crouching on a wooden floor looking towards an art installation with a large black semicircle painted on the wall, black substance on the ground, completing the circle, with skeletal white boat structures randomly spaced and nailed to black background
October 18, 2025 at 12:15 PM
universityofatypical.org
Bounce wouldn’t be the same without our incredible volunteers, also known as ‘Bouncers’.
Every year, they help ensure the event runs seamlessly while creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Bounce.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered at this year’s Bounce
Two people wearing pink t-shirts with black text saying ‘Atypically Fabulous’ stand looking towards each other with a smile on their faces. Behind them is a black painted wall with music posters and to the side a table with merchandise on it. A volunteer wearing a pink t-shirt which says ‘Bouncers Volunteers Team’ leans over a table of refreshments. On the wall is a large canvas painting. A volunteer wearing a pink t-shirt is given a small label from a label maker from a performer who wears a navy long sleeve top and a hat with long green material hanging off it. In the background is a cafe with people standing watching. The back of a volunteer wearing a pink t-shirt with black text Bouncers Volunteer Team standing alongside audience members watching a performance
October 16, 2025 at 12:50 PM
universityofatypical.org
It's the Movement for Good Arts and Culture Special Draw and we would love if you could nominate University of Atypical (Arts & Disability Forum). If you nominate us by 19 October 2025 we could win £5000 to keep working to make the arts in Northern Ireland accessible for everyone.
buff.ly/jo29Hm0
Graphic of a pale green artist's palette with brushes, paint, and spray can. Text alongside says: Charities Supporting Arts and Culture Special Draw Open 10 - 19 October 2025. Please nominate us to receive £5,000 - it only takes a minute and can make a huge difference! culture.movementforgood.com. Logos for Movement for Good and the Benefact Group.
October 13, 2025 at 12:15 PM
universityofatypical.org
Wrap up the year in style at the Ledger Studio! We're now taking Christmas and end-of-year bookings.

Whether you're planning a festive performance, a creative workshop, an end-of-year meeting, or a holiday gig, the Ledger Studio is the perfect space to make it happen.
A photograph of a table with a black tablecloth, candle and two wine glasses. In the background is a black curtain on the left and a projector screen on the right. White text states 'We are open for bookings'. At the top of the image is a blue circle with black text stating Ledger Studio.
October 13, 2025 at 8:02 AM
universityofatypical.org
Recruiting Freelance Access Advisor (4-5 hours per week)
We are recruiting new regional Access Advisors to support arts, cultural, community and heritage organisations across Northern Ireland. Advisors will support organisations develop and implement an Accessibility Improvement Plan.
Blue background with a yellow circular logo with text inside which reads 'University of Atypical for Arts and Disability'. White text underneath reads 'Job opportunity. Freelance Access Advisor'
October 11, 2025 at 11:01 AM
universityofatypical.org
Bounce 2025 may have just ended but we are already looking ahead to next year.
We invite you to get involved in Bounce 2026 from Thursday 1 October to Sunday 4 October 2026. The festival theme for Bounce 2026 is Arts and Activism.
Two women dressed in black sit on the floor leaning against eachother heads touching. Above in black text 'We are accepting proposals for Bounce 2026'
October 10, 2025 at 9:01 AM
universityofatypical.org
We’re coming down from another great Bounce Festival and we’d love to know what you thought! If you were at the Festival and would like to tell us what you thought about anything, please fill in our online survey. It helps us to make plans for 2026, and show funders why we do what we do.
A person stares are artwork on the wall. Their back is to the camera, they wear a beige coat and their long dark hair is tied back in a ponytail. At the bottom in white text 'We want your feedback!' . At the top is a logo with text saying 'Bounce Arts Festival'. A QR code sits on the left side of the photo.
October 9, 2025 at 3:01 PM
universityofatypical.org
University of Atypical is recruiting a Finance Officer (freelance 16 hours per week; 6 month contract*).
Duration of post: October 2025 - March 2026 * (subject to confirmed start date and potential continuation, subject to mutual agreement and security of funding).
October 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
universityofatypical.org
Unfortunately we are no longer able to offer BSL interpretation for Sunday evening's 'Out of the Box' comedy event at the Black Box.
Bounce Festival logo and announcement: Event update: Out of the Box Sunday 5 October. Unfortunately we can no longer provide BSL interpretation for this event. If you have any queries please contact administration@universityofatypical.org
October 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
universityofatypical.org
Event change: Unfortunately Elly Makem is no longer able to lead today's Signs of Dissent drop-in workshop, but we’re very pleased that Bailie Burrell has stepped in.

Drop in to the Den (level 6) @themacbelfast.bsky.social from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm today to make your mark! Free, no booking required.
Photograph of a woman sitting behind a table which is covered with small prints, zines, and other brightly coloured artwork. The woman is smiling at the camera. The sign on the table says BJB Arts.
October 4, 2025 at 8:56 AM
universityofatypical.org
All of our Bounce Festival events this weekend are currently going ahead as planned.

If you are travelling to us to attend events today or tomorrow please travel safely. You may need to leave more time for your travel.
Bounce Arts Festival logo on a blue background and a notice - Storm Amy update: All of our Bounce Festival events this weekend are currently going ahead as planned. If there is any change, we will contact bookers directly and also post on our social media. If you are travelling to us to attend events today or tomorrow please travel safely. You may need to leave more time for your travel.
October 3, 2025 at 2:06 PM
universityofatypical.org
Following Sunday's Bounce Festival screening of Witches at Queen's Film Theatre Belfast we are delighted to be joined for the Q&A by Aisling McCormick and Dr Elspeth Vischer. It should be a fascinating chat!

Sunday 5 October at 3:30 pm in QFT:
universityofatypical.org/bounce-2025/...
A blue and green background with white text at the top ‘Witches Sunday 5 October’. In the middle is a black and white image of a woman looking to the side with a red square over her mouth. Either side of her against a grey backdrop are black lines and symbols. At the bottom in white text is ‘Queen’s Film Theatre’.
October 1, 2025 at 1:04 PM
universityofatypical.org
If you are a writer interested in reading at our Bounce Open Mic on Friday 3 October we have extended applications until the end of the week!
A blue-toned event flyer which reads: Open Mic Literary Event Friday 3 October. Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s Belfast. A microphone is front and centre of the image lit in a pink light. Behind it are shadows of tables and chairs and candles.
September 22, 2025 at 2:05 PM
universityofatypical.org
Sneak peek! Here’s a behind-the-scenes look from our upcoming Bounce 2025 feature on UTV this Friday. We can’t wait to share the full story with you soon!

#BounceArtsFestival #Bounce2025 #DisabilityArts
September 17, 2025 at 3:22 PM
universityofatypical.org
During the Artist Residency for the Bounce Anushiya Sundaralingam will spend time in the gallery allowing the public to drop in, meet the artist and see how they work. Although has been awarded previous residencies, this is the first time she has worked through a residency with public engagement.
Fragile white skeletal boat shapes clustered on a black background
September 17, 2025 at 11:02 AM
universityofatypical.org
The Berlin Cultural Bridge team is coming to Belfast for the Bounce Arts Festival!

Following the success of ‘Sick in the City’ in Berlin in August we are excited to welcome the team to Belfast.
A red and blue background with an image across the centre of three people; on the left is a man with a moustache, sitting on a chair arms folded and legs crossed wearing a hat and denim jacket. In the centre is a man staring straight at the camera wearing glasses and a grey scarf around his neck. The person on the right is a female with short blonde hair and a blue shirt. White text above the image is ‘From Berlin to Belfast: International Perspectives on Disabled-Led Co-Creation’ and ‘Sunday 5 October’. At the bottom of the image in black text is ‘Accidental Theatre, Belfast’
September 16, 2025 at 3:05 PM
universityofatypical.org
University of Atypical is excited to be part of the relaunched Culture Night Belfast, alongside our neighbours Bbeyond! Drop in to the Ledger Studio between 5:00 and 8:30 pm on Friday 19 September to see some amazing new performance art from Bbeyond commissioned artists.
The top of the image features text reading ‘Culture Night Belfast - Bbeyond Performance Art at University of Atypical’ below this in white text are the words ‘Friday 19 September, 5:00 - 8:30 pm, Ledger Studio at University of Atypical’. Below the are two photos inside circular shapes. Photo one is an artist sitting in profile. They are wearing a red-pink smock which covers their whole body, and their short hair is in a number of very small bunches over their head. Behind them another person is sitting on steps reading from a page. Photo two is of a figure standing outside in front of a rusted fence. The figure is wearing a thick green coat, and has a length of white fabric wrapped around their face and obscuring it. The fabric continue down their body into their right hand. Their left hand is reaching towards a tin can attached to a string which dangles from above them. At the bottom of the image are various logos.
September 14, 2025 at 9:57 AM
universityofatypical.org
Bounce Arts Festival is back at Queen’s Film Theatre for a Screening of Elizabeth Sankey’s ‘Witches’. The screening will be followed by a short Q&A about the themes of the documentary.
queensfilmtheatre.com/Whats-on/Wit...
A blue and green background with white text at the top ‘Witches Sunday 5 October’. In the middle is a black and white image of a woman looking to the side with a red square over her mouth. Either side of her against a grey backdrop are black lines and symbols. At the bottom in white text is ‘Queen’s Film Theatre’.
September 12, 2025 at 9:15 AM