Brolly Good Show - Colourful Umbrella Project returns to raise awareness of neurodiversity in the north-east
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Aberdeen is in for a brolly good show as the colourful Umbrella Project returns to the city this summer to both celebrate and raise awareness of neurodiversity.
A stunning canopy of multi-coloured brollies will be unfurled on Shiprow from May through to September in tribute to the “umbrella” term of neurodiversity, which includes ADHD, autism, Tourette's Syndrome, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia.
As part of the hugely-popular project, local schools and businesses are also being invited to create their own mini-installations by Aberdeen Inspired, which is bringing the campaign to the Granite City in partnership with the ADHD Foundation and headline sponsors Harbour Energy as well as TMM Recruitment.
A call has also been made for local neurodiversity organisations to find out how they can become involved in the Umbrella Project.
The announcement of the return of the Umbrella Project to Aberdeen comes during worldwide Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which runs to Sunday, March 24.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The Umbrella Project is one of the most colourful and most important of Aberdeen Inspired’s many projects and we are proud to be part of this celebration of neurodiversity.
“With one in five people being neurodiverse it is something which touches all our lives – either for ourselves, our families, our friends, or our colleagues. The Umbrella Project reflects that and raises awareness of the importance of inclusivity in every walk of life.”
Dr Tony Lloyd, chief executive of the ADHD Foundation, said: “These different minds - dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism - are now recognised for their genius, innovation, and inventiveness in a variety of roles.
“One in five of us think differently and the neurodiversity Umbrella Project in Aberdeen celebrates the unique contribution made by this to our local economy, our workplace, and to our families and friendship groups.”
The return of the Umbrella Project has been welcomed by Mary Martin, owner of the Douglas Hotel and a key partner in the Shiprow Village project. She said: “A resounding success in previous years, the bopping umbrellas always brought an instant smile. With constant enquiries about their return, we can't wait to see the vibrant rainbow of colours dazzle our street once again.
Previous years have seen displays on show at a host of restaurants, cafes, and centres of education, as well as corporate offices of leading businesses.
The Trinity Centre has previously hosted mini-installations as part of the Umbrella Project and says it will take part again this summer.
You can find out more about the Umbrella Project – including a range of resources around neurodiversity – plus how to sign up for your own mini-installation by visiting Aberdeen
Umbrellas are being installed on Shiprow for the Umbrella Project. Picture: Aberdeen Inspired.
