Being the very first of its kind, Neuronite is a Neurodivergent, D/disabled, LGBTQ+, BIPOC inclusive mini-festival curated with the unique needs of underrepresented groups at the top of mind. The event will showcase the artistic work of individuals with intersectional identities. With accessibility at the forefront, this non-traditional concert will take place on July 26 at Media Pollution (3816 Medford St.) in Los Angeles, CA, and offers free entry to individuals 18+ who are seeking an alternative to the overstimulating, exclusionary set up of a typical music festival.
Crafted by a diverse team of creatives stemming from different backgrounds, Neuronite is partnering with the CA Creative Corps, California Arts Council, and Community Partners to pave a much needed path towards a future that includes more thoughtful and inclusive events.
The event’s Producer, Alexander Millar (they/them) aka Vattica, will be performing alongside Élishia Sharie and Frankie Simone. Millar and their team are eager to raise awareness in support of Neurodivergent and D/disabled spaces and communities. “It was important to me to assemble a group of people who could cater to the widest amount of needs from a Neurodivergent and D/disabled perspective. People who look like me get all of the opportunities, so getting such a [racially] diverse team together was a testament to community organizing,” Millar explains.
Neuronite aims to step away from the idea that Neurodivergent and D/disabled guests are an oddity or inconvenience when considering the production of a successful event. Being a musician with lifelong OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Millar understands first-hand the inequality that Neurodivergent and D/disabled individuals face in public spaces. They share that “The mission of Neuronite is to create a space that is centering the Neurodiverse and the D/disabled community. These are folx who are not centered anywhere, let alone at a music festival. As someone who is Neurodivergent and has been a musician professionally for longer than I haven’t been, I’ve never played a show that was even remotely conducive to me. Neuronite is the first mini-concert to center the needs of the Neurodivergent and D/disabled communities, as opposed to having them be an afterthought or not considered at all.”
All too often, Neurodivergent and D/disabled folks are forced to sit on the sidelines due to restrictions or complications beyond their control. While neurotypical society might view neurodiverse needs as outside of the norm, Neuronite is working to create a space that makes everyone feel comfortable in their own music festival zone. Millar shares that their “neuro designers have really designed an entire neurodivergent wonderland. To be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, you need to provide the bare minimum, so we wanted to surpass those requirements. At a traditional concert, you’ll see that there’s a designated area for wheelchair-using folx. Since being set aside isn’t a good feeling, we made it so that regardless of the mobility device you use, you’ll be able to go anywhere you want, as opposed to “here’s your area, person who is different, go there.” There won’t be a traditional light show with strobes and flashing, and the space will be lit with colors that don’t traditionally trigger those with light sensitivity issues.”
Millar explains that “If you can’t wear a mask for medical reasons, if you’re bedridden, or if you wake up that day and just don’t have the energy to go, you’ll be able to watch the event on either my VATTICA TikTok or on Neuronite’s Instagram live stream. The live streams will be operated by professionals with steady cams who will walk around the event to give viewers the experience of really being there. It’s simple considerations like these that make Neuronite advanced in terms of accessibility and inclusivity. The bathrooms will be gender neutral, and there will be an ADA bathroom just for folx with wheelchairs.”
Intersectionality is an important theme of this event, as Millar and the Neuronite team advocate for the equal treatment and consideration of all underrepresented groups. “It’s going to be a safe, soft, space in terms of the sensory, tactile, and visual world. You won’t be considered weird because your brain works differently.” Admission to the event is free, making it accessible to all income levels as well.
If you’re on the prowl for an alternative world in which people of all kinds are considered, catered to, and celebrated, get your tickets to Neuronite ASAP!
