Retro Gaming Meets Street Art: Blasting Away Barriers with the Wey Aye Space Man Project

If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to showcase your support for neurodiversity in Newcastle upon Tyne and the local region, look no further than the Wey Aye Space Man street art project!

This incredible initiative is the brainchild of a group of neurodivergent artists who are part of the organisation Ngage NE Ltd. Their goal is to empower artists with diverse neurological conditions and celebrate the valuable perspectives and abilities of people with learning disabilities, autism and other neurological differences.

The Wey Aye Space Man street art project involves a group of neurodivergent artists creating mosaics of space invaders and other 8-bit, pixelated, arcade-style computer game characters which are then placed on buildings in and around Newcastle. These mosaics are not only visually stunning, but they also add a touch of colour and gaming nostalgia to the cityscape.

The use of 8-bit, gaming characters is a nod to the era of arcade games, which many of these artists grew up playing. It is also a clever way to make their artwork stand out and capture the attention of the arts and passersby The mosaics are colourful, vibrant, and fun to look out for.

The project is not only about showcasing amazing artwork, but also about raising awareness about neurodiversity. By highlighting the talents of these artists, this street art project aims to show that individuals with diverse neurological conditions can be successful in the arts and bring a fresh and exciting approach to traditional art forms.

8-Bit Luigi made using Post-it Notes

The Wey Aye Space Man street art project has already gained a lot of attention and praise, riding high on the successful Wey Aye Lego Man photography exhibition, which celebrated Lego, neurodiversity, and the North East of England. All 35 artists in the exhibition sold their photographs, and the opening event was attended by local media, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, and many people working in the arts in the North East of England.

Mark Butcher, one of the organisers from both campaigns, sums it up perfectly: “Our goal is to create a platform that empowers these talented artists to showcase their skills and overcome the barriers that have historically excluded them from the arts. It’s time to shatter the exclusive glass ceiling and embrace the diversity of ideas and expressions that neurodivergent individuals bring to the arts.”

Rachel Spencer, Ngage NE Ltd manager, adds, “We want to inspire other neurodivergent individuals to pursue their passions and explore their creative sides. It has created a sense of community and belonging for these artists, who have found a supportive network through Ngage NE Ltd.”

If you are a building owner in Newcastle, why not show your support for this important cause by having one of these incredible pixel mosaics placed on your property? These mosaics are approximately A4 to A1 in size and will not only add a vibrant and eye-catching touch to your building but also raise awareness about the importance of embracing neurodiversity in our community.

To get involved, simply contact Mark Butcher at mark.butcher@nbneltd.co.uk. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and accepting community in Newcastle and the local region.

In conclusion, the Wey Aye Space Man street art campaign is an inspiring example of how individuals with different abilities and perspectives can come together to create something beautiful and meaningful. It is a testament to the power of art to bring people together and raise awareness about important issues. This campaign deserves recognition and praise for the positive impact it will have on the people of Newcastle and the surrounding region. So let’s celebrate neurodiversity and support these talented artists by supporting the Wey Aye Space Man street art project!