In 2023, the Utrecht based theater company Schweigman& initiated Prikkel (Stimulus), an exhibition on neurodiversity and sensory processing, where art and science came together. Eleven artists, theater makers, and scientists —delegated by Schweigman& and partners Buitenplaats Doornburgh, HKU, and UMC Utrecht— conducted a cross-disciplinary study into sensory processing in general and in relation to neurodivergence.

The Stimulus exhibition was experienced by nearly 9,000 people. The feedback on the exhibition showed a great need for more attention to the topic. As a result, Schweigman& is now continuing the project with associate artist Johannes Bellinkx in a series of theatrical experiences that play with perception.

Additionally, the company has developed an impact program with talks, workshops, an educational program, and a podcast series to increase knowledge and understanding about neurodivergence.

How does the world appear to you and others? Is there such a thing as objective reality? Read more about the Stimulus project through this link and come experience it!

About the makers

For Binnenste Buiten (Inside Out) Schweigman& works together with associate artist Johannes Bellinkx and the Utrecht based Kamerkoor JIP. Below we introduce them to you.

The work of artist Johannes Bellinkx is strongly connected to that of Boukje Schweigman. Both attended the Mime School (ATD Amsterdam) and together they developed the prototypes for the installations for the exhibition Prikkel (Stimulus).

Through his work Bellinkx questions our perceptual systems and the (re)construction of our environment in our brains. His work balances between performance, live cinema, visual art, and sound art. Bellinkx designs experiences that make philosophical, political, or cultural insights tangible and is associated with SoAP Maastricht; an innovative interdisciplinary platform for artists with an eye for those and that which is often overlooked in public space.

Kamerkoor JIP from Utrecht presents committed and often interdisciplinary
concert programs, performed at the highest possible level. The choir is led by brothers Jonathan and Imre Ploeg.

Over the past eleven years, Kamerkoor JIP, with its formula of concerts around urgent social themes, has grown into one of the best-known and most successful chamber choirs within the Dutch amateur choir world.
With its special thematic and topical programming, Kamerkoor JIP occupies a unique place in the landscape of Utrecht choirs.
In Binnenste Buiten (Inside Out), the female singers of the JIP Kamerkoor provide the musical accompaniment.

In-depth programs

In addition to theatrical experiences, Schweigman& also offers various in-depth programs. These programs focus on the transfer of knowledge of Schweigman&’s unique methodology, theory on the thematic content, and personal stories from (neuro)diverse experts by experience.

Prikkeltalk

In addition to the performances and installations, there are in-depth Prikkeltalks you can attend. Schweigman& staff members and various experts will guide you through the background, context, and theory surrounding sensory perception, sensory processing, and neurodiversity.

Check schweigman.org/agenda for the calendar.

The Prikkelpodcast

For this podcast series, the creators spoke with a (neuro)diverse group of guests about stimuli and sensory processing. The motto of the podcast series: “It is only in a conversation with others that you realize how differently you experience the world.” The podcast is in Dutch.

Listen to the Prikkelpodcast through your favorite podcast-app.