About Self-ish Acts:

An exciting pilot workshop programme by Neurodivergent Friends in Thanet, designed to cultivate creative liberation and encourage true self-expression. Throughout this series, we will explore various ‘Self-ish Acts’ – avenues of personal creative exploration and empowerment, providing a warm and inclusive space for Neurodivergent individuals to fully embrace their authentic selves and share their journey towards unmasking with their peers.

About Neuro Noise:

A workshop exploring the beginner’s mind through musical improvisation, composition and performance, facilitated by composer and NDFT Co-Director Louis Palfrey. This accessible workshop will guide you through the process of co-creating musical magic with your fellow Neurodivergent novices, amateurs and virtuosos. Open to everyone, from total newcomers to seasoned professionals.

The workshop will begin by discussing the terms ‘beginner’ and ‘expert’, using the Zen concept of Shoshin or Beginner’s Mind, which Shunryu Suzuki explains thusly, “in the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few.”

Taking cues from materials created in previous Self-ish Acts workshops (writings, artworks etc.), participants will be guided through a series of simple exercises to encourage listening, collaboration and co-creation. The exercises will form the basis of several pieces of experimental music that will be recorded and edited to be used as prompts for the next Self-ish Acts workshop, My Body is a Home. Participants will also be sent a link to download the recordings.

Please note that this workshop may involve loud, sudden noises. It may not be suitable for those with sound sensitivities. We can provide you with disposable foam earplugs or you are welcome to bring your own hearing protection. You do not need to know how to play an instrument to attend. We are able to provide some instruments but please bring an acoustic instrument (or more than one) with you if you can.