Yogyakarta (ANTARA) – The Yogyakarta Tourism Office said artworks by neurodivergent artists at the “Jejak Warna” exhibition, held at Gadjah Mada University’s Innovation and Creativity Arena (GIK), highlight the sustainability of the creative economy sector.
“The artworks on display are part of the creative economy sector,” said head of the office’s creative economy development division, Iwan Pramana, while attending the exhibition opening here on Sunday.
According to him, creative economy development in Yogyakarta is based on creativity with the principle of inclusivity, ensuring that every individual has equal opportunities to participate and develop their potential.
“Therefore, in the creative economy sector, we also involve people with disabilities and children with autism as part of us,” he said.
He added that neurodivergent artists can expand beyond visual arts into other creative sectors, including music and performing arts.
“We hope to collaborate with Creative for Autism (C4A) and Pesona Autistik Indonesia (PAI) so that neurodivergent artists can be involved in various exhibitions, and creative economy activities organized by the local government can also include them,” he said.
The Jejak Warna exhibition is being held from August 2-8, 2026, at GIK UGM, featuring 46 works by 32 neurodivergent artists.
In addition to a painting exhibition, the event also included an art bazaar, talk show, and counseling services for families with neurodivergent children.
Event committee chairperson Adriana said neurodiversity is a concept that emphasizes the diversity of ways the human brain functions, meaning neurodivergent individuals have different ways of thinking, communicating, and processing information.
“The message behind neurodiversity does not focus on inability, but on differences in ability,” she said.
She hoped the event could broaden public understanding of neurodiversity while opening wider opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to participate in the arts and social life.
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Translator: Victorianus, Kenzu
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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