The Hack Space aims to:

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• celebrate difference and offer a neuroaffirming experience for all participants

• build on existing skills and special interests of neurodivergent participants by accessing specialist technologies and spending time with experts

• build confidence among neurodivergent participants in their skills

• build confidence of neurodivergent participants to be active changemakers to inform service provision

• build confidence of neurodivergent participants to try new things in shared spaces

• equip neurodivergent participants with practical, social and intellectual experiences to help prepare them for the transition to adulthood

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Who we are:

I’m Laura Kerry, co-director of Artillery CIC, I love creative projects where art and science collide, and I’m part of a neurodiverse family. Artillery is an arts organisation in Waltham Forest. You may have heard of some of the events that we are best known for producing such as the E17 Art Trail, The Mile Long Street Party, Grandad’s Island, or High Street ADVENTures? Behind the scenes we also run a programme of artist support and creative learning opportunities. 

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Some Kind of Hack Space was conceived because of my family's experience, and is combined with my passion in my work for creating supportive environments in which artists can experiment and collaborate. I imagine Some Kind of Hack Space having an energy a bit like an artist's studio, or a co-working space, somewhere young people can work on their projects at their own pace, but alongside their peers to experiment, and to share and grow their ideas. A calm, concentrated social and creative space, but without any expectations to socialise in a particular way or to perform or present your work, unless you want to! 

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We are really excited to be collaborating with lead artist, musician and creative technologist Dave Darch. Dave brings his creative expertise as well as his experience devising projects for disabled children. He is currently the Digital Ambassador at Big Creative Education.

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We're also delighted to be working with Ricardo Norville as our techinican. We first met Ricardo in 2019 while studying film at Leyton Sixth Form when he did some work experience with us. Ricardo makes sure we are all set up ready to start the day at Some Kind of Hack Space. 

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Alongside Dave Darch, Ricardo Norville, and Artillery’s Laura Kerry and Morag Mcguire we will invite guest scientists and artists to support the sessions and introduce different ideas and skills.

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Dave Darch

"I'm a teacher of creative coding, music, and animation in schools. I love seeing how these artforms can spark imagination and bring ideas to life.

I often work creatively with disabled adults and children. Apart from teaching in SEND settings, one of the ways I do this is through my work with Drake Music DMLab, where we build custom-made musical instruments for disabled people. It's incredible to see how music and technology can come together to break down previously disabling barriers to music making.

And when I'm not in the classroom or at DMLab, you can find me running hackathons for young people and adults. These events are all about teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving - and of course, having fun while we're at it. So, if you're interested in coding, animation, music, or just want to try something new, I'd love for you to join us. It's all about exploring, creating, and learning together." Let's see what we can create!