Not Just Art: A platform dedicated to autistic artists painting their beautiful canvases!

Autism might be a chronic disorder, but it does not restrict individuals from shining with their artistic abilities. However, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are often considered incapable of performing normal activities. This misconception persists due to environmental inaccessibility, a lack of social and medical resources, and widespread stigma. These challenges hinder individuals with ASD from practicing their art forms and leave them with no platform to showcase their talents. Co-founders Meera Shenoy and Rupa Shankar sought to bridge the gap between these issues and the talents of these artists, leading to the founding of Not Just Art (NJA). NJA serves as an aggregator for all autistic artists, providing them with a platform to express their craft without judgment.

It is a startup of Youth4Jobs Foundation, a nonprofit one-stop-shop for companies seeking to build a diverse workforce, with a focus on skilling youth with disabilities. Not Just Art offers a platform for artists of all kinds to showcase, sell, and display their artwork. Whether it is canvas painting, acrylic painting, silk painting, sketching, abstract painting, sculptures, or any other craft, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can feature their work and be listed as artists on this platform. The website features a comprehensive list of all the artists onboard, including their names, infographics, and samples of their work. It serves as a comprehensive portfolio for each artist, allowing potential buyers to learn about the artists they are purchasing from. The platform showcases artists with various disabilities, such as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, a rare congenital disorder characterized by multiple joint contractures, weak muscles, and fibrosis, as well as speech and hearing impairment, dyslexia, and behavioral issues. However, what makes these artists unique is their sheer dedication and talent.

This platform proves to be fruitful not only for the artists but also for the visitors who come to the website, as they can carefully navigate and select the work that suits their requirements. It offers a diverse range of choices and options to choose from. Not only does it act as an aggregator, but it also introduces the benefits of art to children and youth with disabilities through art workshops held in schools and community centers.

In addition to workshops and exhibitions, the platform carries out various activities to nurture these artists and promote their art in every possible way. Highlight events such as the Global Ability Photography Challenge, Art from the Heart, and Art of All Abilities amplify their work. Meanwhile, exhibitions for Shell Art and awards for discovering Ability serve as motivators.