Arts Derbyshire

Artist profile

Gray Rodgers

Gray Rodgers is a multidisciplinary artist and advocate based in South Derbyshire, known for promoting neurodiversity and supporting marginalized communities through both art and writing. As the paternal nephew of a SAS (Special Air Service) veteran, Rodgers draws inspiration from their family history of resilience and dedication to service, which has influenced their own approach to advocacy and community work. Identifying as male-presenting non-binary, Rodgers channels their lived experiences with neurodivergence, mental health challenges, and social exclusion into creative projects that foster inclusion and awareness.

In 2014, Rodgers founded the Swadlincote Aspergers Society (SAS), creating a supportive space for neurodiverse individuals. Under their leadership, SAS gained recognition for its impactful work in promoting social inclusion and was nominated for a National Epic Award in 2018. Rodgers also contributed to the National Autistic Society’s “I Exist” campaign, which played a key role in shaping the Autism Act of 2009. They continue to provide consultation on the UK government’s Adult Autism Strategy through the Derbyshire Autism Partnership Board.

Rodgers is also a published author, writing extensively on neurodiversity, autism awareness, and mental health for platforms such as Aspergers United magazine, Goodreads, and Amazon. Their writing elevates the stories and voices of neurodivergent individuals, driving forward the conversation on inclusion and mental health advocacy.

Their artistic endeavors extend to community-focused projects in collaboration with local organizations like People Express, where they help create inclusive opportunities for vulnerable adults to engage in the arts. This blend of advocacy, writing, and visual arts defines Rodgers’ work, positioning them as a significant figure in both the neurodiversity and arts communities.

Creative Genre

  • Gray Rodgers works across multiple creative genres, blending advocacy with artistic expression. Their practice spans visual arts, writing, and community-based projects, all aimed at promoting neurodiversity and supporting marginalized voices. As a published author, Rodgers’ written work, often non-fiction, focuses on neurodiversity, autism awareness, and mental health advocacy, with pieces featured in Aspergers United magazine, Goodreads, and Amazon. Their visual arts work is community-centered, collaborating with organizations like People Express to create inclusive artistic opportunities for vulnerable adults. Rodgers’ unique combination of writing, visual art, and advocacy creates a genre that is both socially engaged and deeply personal.

Work Undertaken

  • Gray Rodgers is an integrative artist advocate whose work focuses on promoting neurodiversity and supporting marginalized communities
  • particularly through the arts and writing. In 2014
  • Rodgers founded the Swadlincote Aspergers Society (SAS) to create inclusive spaces for neurodiverse individuals
  • an organization later recognized for its contributions to social inclusion with a National Epic Award nomination in 2018. As a contributor to the National Autistic Society’s “I Exist” campaign
  • Rodgers played a significant role in shaping the Autism Act of 2009 and continues to consult on the implementation of the UK government’s Adult Autism Strategy. Rodgers has also written extensively on neurodiversity and mental health
  • with published work appearing on platforms like Aspergers United magazine
  • Goodreads
  • and Amazon. Additionally
  • they collaborate with local organizations such as People Express on community arts projects that blend advocacy with creative expression
  • providing vulnerable adults opportunities to engage in the arts.

Work in Education

  • Gray Rodgers’ work in education centers on raising awareness and understanding of neurodiversity through creative and community engagement. They have developed educational initiatives that promote social inclusion for neurodiverse individuals
  • often in collaboration with local organizations. Through their leadership in the Swadlincote Aspergers Society (SAS)
  • Rodgers has provided educational resources and support to neurodivergent individuals
  • families
  • and professionals since 2014. Additionally
  • Rodgers has contributed to autism education on a national scale
  • particularly through their involvement in the "I Exist" campaign
  • which influenced the Autism Act of 2009. Their writing and public speaking engagements focus on educating the public about neurodiversity
  • autism
  • and mental health
  • with the goal of fostering greater empathy and understanding.

Portfolio

Portfolio

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