Neurodelicious, which hosted shows at the Colchester Arts Centre and Mercury Theatre, has been shut on Monday, bosses confirmed.
In a joint statement, directors Hannah Aria, Oliver Squirrell and Helen Oldfield confirmed the news.
The statement read: “The decision to wind down and close the CIC wasn’t taken lightly, and we understand that you may feel disappointed and perhaps even surprised to hear this news. Lots of people kindly endorsed Neurodelicious, or participated in our projects and performances, or opted in to join our vibrant community of neurodivergent creatives, professional performers, and supporters.”
The Community Interest Company (CIC) stated the increasing difficulty in securing funding as its reason for closure.
With Ms Aria, Ms Oldfield and Mr Squirrell being self-employed freelancers in the creative industries, they have decided to shift their focus on individual work.
Despite a small number of generous and regular donors, the CIC was not able to be sustained.
“While we never thought Neurodelicious CIC would be a perfect solution to the many employment and societal challenges faced by neurodivergent creatives and performance professionals, we did learn lots of important things, sometimes the hard way, about running a new not-for-profit company packed full of neurodivergent people.
“We feel very proud about how Neurodelicious was able to showcase the incredible talents of the entire spectrum of neurodivergent performers.
“And how it provided meaningful volunteering opportunities, plus paid work at industry best practice rates for more than 20 neurodivergent and/or disabled people.
“As we look back on the last three years, it’s amazing to think that we got Neurodelicious CIC so far over the start line; from Hannah’s amazing idea, to then watching artists go out on stage and hearing the happy applause of engaged audiences.
“It’s been difficult and tough at times, but there are no regrets that we started and that for three years were part of something truly delicious.”