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CALLING ALL AUTISTIC ARTISTS: SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE SECOND AUTISM & ART SHOW 2026

CALLING ALL AUTISTIC ARTISTS: SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE SECOND AUTISM & ART SHOW 2026

Following the overwhelming success of its debut event, The Autism & Art Show returns for a second inspiring year, opening on 24th July 2026 at the much-loved Firepit Art Gallery, London — and organisers are now calling for autistic artists across the UK to submit their artwork for inclusion.

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Presented by Anna Kennedy Online, in collaboration with Firepit Art Gallery, the exhibition celebrates the extraordinary creativity, individuality and talent of autistic artists and their allies, while helping raise vital funds to support the charity’s ongoing work with autistic people and their families.

For many people on the autism spectrum, art is far more than a hobby — it is a powerful form of self-expression, communication and therapy. Through creativity, artists can tell stories, explore emotions and connect with others in meaningful and inspiring ways.

Anna Kennedy OBE, charity patron Steven Smith, and Firepit Gallery founder Marcus Jake are inviting autistic artists to step forward and showcase their work as part of this unique and uplifting exhibition.

Anna Kennedy OBE and some of the team behind Autism &Art Patron Steven Smith Artist and celebrity photographer Anne-Marie Bickerton and Alistair Blaster

“Art has the power to give a voice to feelings, experiences and perspectives that words alone sometimes cannot express,” said Steven Smith. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate neurodiverse creativity and encourage autistic artists to share their talent with the public.”

The Autism & Art Show promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, resilience and individuality, showcasing an exciting tapestry of work from autistic artists from all walks of life. Each artist brings a unique story and artistic voice, making this exhibition a moving tribute to the richness of neurodiverse talent.

Event Location:
Firepit Art Gallery CIC
No.2 Upper Riverside,
10 Cutter Lane, Ground Floor Unit,
Greenwich Peninsula,
London SE10 0XX

Artists interested in submitting work or learning more about the exhibition are encouraged to get in touch and be part of this very special event.

Closing date for entries July the 10th

Contact Steven Smith at spman@btinternet.com

Or 07969106222 for more details. 

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one of the artists on show Dez LoveArtPix one of the charity Patrons .
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By Steven Smith.

Steven Smith was born in Coatbridge in Scotland. He was brought up in Whitley Bay, before briefly moving to London. He then moved to the seaside town of Brighton, where he was first receiver recognition for his hairdressing skills. Steven moved to America for eight years, working in Beverly Hills, and on his return to London in the late 90s, rose to fame working in fashionable Knightsbridge. He has styled model Katie Price, actress Denise Welch, David Hasselhoff and the cast of Baywatch. Steven had his own column in The Sun newspaper advising on hair and beauty, and was a regular on the Lorraine Kelly show, transforming GMTV viewers into their favourite stars. He made over Lorraine herself, transforming her into movie legend, Elizabeth Taylor.

Steven has been a freelance writer for the last ten years, combining showbiz interviews and travel with his eye for styling. He has written two books: Powder Boy, looking at the dark side of showbiz, and an autobiography: It shouldn't happen to a hairdresser, offering a witty and sad look at his life. He is currently penning a third book to be titled Happy in Chennai.

He has a monthly column, Tales of a single middle-aged gay man that looks at not only the light side of gay life, but also darker aspects such as rape, addiction, and chem-sex. Steven also runs his own beauty/aesthetic blog and is a patron of Anna Kennedy online; a charity that not only supports the autism community but educates the public about those that live with autism.

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