ANIMATION CLUB
In 2018 WOW met Bethan, a proud young disabled woman from Ceredigion with a love for Japanese anime. She told us that it was her dream to start her own anime convention in West Wales.
That winter we worked alongside Mencap Ceredigion to organise animation workshops for adults and young people with learning disabilities and autism. Bethan became creative director of Abercon, an inclusive and accessible anime convention for the whole community, open to everyone and for all ages. The first Abercon was help at Aberystwyth Arts Centre during the 2019 WOW Film Festival.
Since 2020 the animation club has met online and in person, working together to make animations about 'human rights’ and ‘protecting nature'. Click on the animation club’s YouTube channel to watch: https://www.youtube.com/@ceredigionanimationclub646/videos
The animation club is a chance for creativity to shine. We are discovering the ways that neurodiverse people challenge storytelling and filmmaking conventions. In the words of one of the animators in the group - "with animation, anything is possible."
The animation club is a fun, sociable and welcoming group for ages 16+. If you would like to take part, please contact rhowan@wowfilmfestival.com for further details.
With animation, anything is possible. The animation club welcomes adults and young people with learning disabilities and autism, their friends and families, to come and explore their creativity. No experience necessary!
Contact:
Rhowan Alleyne
07817 783 192
Our animation club for adults and young people with learning disabilities starts again in January 2026
Our first in-person workshop is on Saturday 31st January at Small World Theatre, Cardigan, 11am - 3pm.
Our theme this year is Myths and Legends. We aren't making a group film this time. Instead, we are going to try new animation skills and share our work together. This is a perfect time for anyone who is new to animation to join the club.
Here are all the workshop dates for 2026:
Saturday 31 January (Small World Theatre, Cardigan) 11am - 3pm
Saturday 21 February (Small World Theatre, Cardigan) 11am - 3pm
Saturday 14 March - Abercon - Aberystwyth Arts Centre
Saturday 25 April - trip to Cardiff Animation Festival, tbc
Saturday 16 May (Small World Theatre, Cardigan) 11am - 3pm
Saturday 13 June (Small World Theatre, Cardigan) 11am - 3pm
Saturday 18 July (Small World Theatre, Cardigan) 11am - 3pm
Saturday 12 September (Small World Theatre, Cardigan) 11am - 3pm
Zoom once a month on a Tuesday evening (optional)
Funded by the National Lottery Communities Fund.