In June the ADHD Foundation brought its popular multi-coloured umbrella display back to Liverpool city centre and now the jolly brollies are also brightening up the Baltic. Tony McDonough reports

An art installation comprising 15 brightly coloured umbrellas is now on display at the home of the ADHD Foundation in Liverpool.

In June the foundation brought back its now famous multi-coloured umbrella display to Church Alley in Liverpool city centre. The attraction first appeared in 2017 and immediately proved a hit with the public, spawning countless Instagram moments.

Invented by Liverpool-based ADHD Foundation – the largest ‘user-led’ ADHD agency in Europe – the umbrella installation aims to flip the narrative of neurodiverse individuals, and instead, recognise the strengths and ability of those with cognitive differences.

ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia all sit under the “umbrella” term of neurodiversity – hence the idea for Umbrella Project was born. The umbrellas will remain in Church Alley until late September.

And now the charity has installed a mini version of the project at 54 St James Street in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle district. The building is also home to one of the sponsors of the project, The Women’s Organisation.

The umbrellas lines the four-storey staircase in the building’s foyer. Chief executive of The Women’s Organisation, Maggie O’Carroll said: “We feel incredibly privileged to house such a thought-provoking piece of art which raises a smile while commanding attention.

By supporting this initiative, we are adding our voice to the important conversations surrounding ADHD and neurodiversity and championing the vital work of the ADHD Foundation.

“Its commitment to service-users and their families is outstanding and coupled with pioneering leadership, the foundation is paving the way for increased understanding, support and investment.”

Click here to find out more about the ADHD Foundation.