Embark on a nostalgic journey with me as I unravel the incredible story behind the Wey Aye LEGO Man exhibition and reveal why it became a trailblazer in the North East, promoting greater neurodiversity in the arts. It is a wonderful celebration of our shared fondness for LEGO, and this year’s exhibition is set to be even bigger than ever.
Flashback to 1996; I was just sixteen, navigating the awkward transition from school to college. This period was underscored by mixtapes filled with Brit-pop and dance music, painting the soundtrack of my teenage life. Amidst all the daunting uncertainties, I found solace in art, eventually leading me to an amazing opportunity to showcase my paintings in a local art gallery. This transformative experience, following struggles with dyslexia in school, marked a turning point. Witnessing my artwork adorning the gallery walls, the energy, the connection with appreciative viewers – it was truly magical and so empowering.
This pivotal moment ignited a spark within me, instilling the confidence to challenge preconceived notions about my potential and dream big. Fast forward a few decades as I leave London to begin a new life in Newcastle, I seized the opportunity to pitch an idea close to my heart to my new employer, Ngage NE Ltd. Drawing from my own empowering experience creating and exhibiting art, I proposed the fusion of LEGO and photography to create an inclusive platform for neurodiverse individuals to experience the empowerment of creating and exhibiting their art. Thus, the seed for the Wey Aye LEGO Man exhibition was planted.
Now, you may be curious about the quirky name – “Wey Aye LEGO Man.” Beyond being a cheeky Geordie phrase encapsulating the spirit of Newcastle, it embodies breaking down barriers. LEGO, with its diverse pieces and universal language, signifies that being different doesn’t preclude us from fitting together. Each LEGO piece holds the potential to unite with others. LEGO photography extends beyond aesthetics; it serves as a potent tool for communication, creative expression, and is perfect for dismantling the barriers faced by neurodiverse individuals in the arts.
Year after year, the Wey Aye LEGO Man exhibition continues to capture the public’s imagination, attracting artists from diverse backgrounds and supporters from all over the world. It has broken down barriers that exist within the arts to become a platform fostering inclusivity, understanding, and unity. Our message is clear – neurodiversity is a strength, not a limitation.
The essence of this annual event is simple – to provide a space where neurodiverse individuals can not only exhibit their art but also sell it to the wider public. Ngage NE Ltd and Visual Voice collaborate together to run monthly photography workshops tailored for neurodiverse individuals. These sessions delved into the boundless possibilities offered by LEGO as our primary subject. Over time, we curated a diverse collection of LEGO-themed photographs, showcasing the artistic contributions of each participant in the annual Wey Aye LEGO Man exhibition.
Visit the Wey Aye Lego Man Online Gallery
Visit the Wey Aye Lego Man digital gallery. Explore and download vibrant Lego portraits to display in your home or workspace.
In 2023, we proudly featured 35 works by 35 neurodiverse artists, with every photograph finding a new home through our silent auction. The opening event proved to be a huge success attracting over 150 people and raising a total of £750 for the local charity, Cancer Connections.
Through this annual celebration, our goal is to celebrate our universal love for LEGO, spotlight the hidden talents of neurodiverse artists, and advocate for greater diversity in the arts. The Wey Aye LEGO Man exhibition evolved into a vibrant symbol of resilience in the North East, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the transformative power of art in uniting diverse communities.
And so, there you have it – the origin tale of Wey Aye LEGO Man, a celebration of our collective passion for LEGO, born from a desire to advocate for greater neurodiversity in the arts. Here’s to dismantling barriers, championing diversity, and creating a world where every is welcome.
Mark your calendars! Wey Aye LEGO Man 2024 will grace Newcastle at the John Marley Centre, commencing with an interactive opening party on Friday, April 26th, from 5 pm to 7 pm. This immersive experience will feature a silent auction, a Lego creation station, augmented reality, Lego architecture, and much more.
Wey Aye Lego Man 2024 promises to be a completely different experience from 2023. As you walk through this year’s exhibition, you’ll encounter a ‘canny’ collection of Lego man photographs, some featuring local landmarks and others experimenting with light painting, high-speed exposure, and other photographic effects. If you’re seeking a cultural art experience that appeals to everyone’s sense of fun, young or old alike, this event is for you. It’s going to be ‘purely belta’!
To secure a complimentary gift bag on the opening night, RSVP to Rachel.Spencer@nbneltd.co.uk (One gift bag request per email address). The exhibition will be open to the public until May 3rd, 2024.
You can be a part of the excitement too! Share your own Lego man photos or videos on social media using the hashtag:
#weyayelegoman
It’s a chance to share in the joy of this exciting exhibition, support the artists and celebrate with the local Lego-loving community.
Online shop
You can now purchase all the Lego photography featured in the exhibitions through the Ngage website shop page!
Embark on a journey through the lens of neurodiverse artists, immerse yourself in vibrant colors and characters, and don’t miss this extraordinary event that promises to leave an indelible mark on every visitor. See you there!
Stay connected by following our social media profiles! Join our vibrant community and be the first to catch the latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and exciting announcements. Don’t miss out on the upcoming diverse events in the North East – follow us today for a front-row seat to all the excitement.
- Calling All Creatives: Turn a LEGO Figure into Art for Landmark Exhibition
- Wey Aye LEGO Man Wins Prestigious 3rd Sector Care Award for Creative Arts!
- Wey Aye LEGO Man 2025: Transforming LEGO in the Heart of Newcastle
- Calling All Artists to LEGO and Have Fun!
- What’s it like to live in a dyslexic mind?
Neuroversal Studios 