Credit: Pinc College
An exhibition of work created by young neurodivergent artists is to go on display in the community corner at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Friday 23 October.
Make a Mark brings together a year of ideas and creativity by students from Pinc, a specialist college for neurodivergent young people aged 16 to 24, studying at its campuses based at Aston Hall and Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
All Pinc College’s creative campuses are located in galleries, museums and cultural locations across England and Wales, providing a unique approach to education and pathways into employment for neurodivergent young people,
Rather than learning solely in traditional classroom settings, Pinc students develop their skills in creative spaces, getting hands-on, exploring their interests and working towards Level 2 and Level 3 University of the Arts London (UAL) diplomas.
Speaking about the display, one of the students said:
“I never would have dreamed that my artwork, which I used to think was just a fun hobby … I never would have dreamed it would end up somewhere like this.”
Another student said:
“We’ve put a lot of work in and everybody’s put a lot of work in, but it feels amazing to see it and think, I’ve done it and it looks cool.”
Vicky Rollins, assistant head of programmes at Pinc College, said:
“Seeing their work on display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is a huge moment for many students.
“But exhibitions like Make a Mark are about more than the finished pieces. They’re also a chance to celebrate the growth that happens along the way.
“As students develop their creative skills, they often build confidence too, become more independent with travel, making friends and feel more comfortable sharing their ideas with others.
“Milestones which are just as important as the qualifications they achieve.”
Andrea Bonnell, participation manager at Birmingham Museums Trust, said:
“We are delighted to be providing a showcase for the creative work by students from Pinc College in our community corner.
“If you drop by, you’ll get a feel for young people finding their voices, exploring, making, learning, and making their own mark.”
Make a Mark is on display in the Made in Birmingham gallery at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery until the end of December 2026.