Beyond the Label
Organised by Symphonia Child Development Sdn. Bhd. and Janet Lee Gallery
Who am I, beyond what others see?
Every person has thoughts, dreams, experiences and stories that cannot be defined by a label. The Human Spectrum Music & Art Festival 2027: Beyond The Label invites creators from Malaysia and around the world to express who they are through art, stories, music and other creative forms.
The festival was created especially to provide greater visibility and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, who may not always have equal opportunities to express their abilities, ideas and potential within the wider community. At the same time, we welcome neurotypical creators to share the same platform.
We hope the festival will help neurodivergent creators build confidence, while allowing the wider public to see the person, creativity and potential beyond a diagnosis or label.
Neurodivergent and neurotypical creators, from Malaysia and other countries. You do not need to be a professional artist — beginners, students, emerging and experienced creators are all welcome.
Because the festival was created to increase opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, priority will be given to neurodivergent creators when shaping the final programme. Neurotypical creators remain an important part of the festival — genuine inclusion means creating and participating together.
Painting, drawing, illustration, photography, mixed media, digital art, textile, sculpture.
Picture books, comics, graphic narratives, visual narratives.
Short stories, poetry, personal narratives, spoken word, monologues, short scripts.
Original songs, instrumental music, musical storytelling, sound stories.
Short film, animation, digital stories, multimedia, AI-assisted work.
Family, school, community, international, cross-disciplinary.
There is no single correct interpretation. You may choose to explore:
Above all — tell us something meaningful about you and your world.
A participation fee is payable only if your work is selected. Submitting a work does not guarantee selection.
We are interested in the story and person behind the work — not only technical skill.
We ask whether you identify as neurodivergent or neurotypical for selection and programme planning only. This is confidential and not automatically shown publicly.
Participants may receive support with writing, communication, technology, translation or preparing files. Support doesn't make your work less valuable — just tell us what was provided.
AI-assisted creativity is welcome. AI should amplify the human voice, not replace it — tell us what tools you used and how your own ideas shaped the work.
Share your voice — go beyond the label.