Broken Grey Wires continues to develop radical platforms to explore madness and disability, listening to those who identify as mad and being passionate about creating safer spaces and better support networks for individuals and communities like us.

Images below show our Toolkit in action during the exhibitions in Middlesbrough and Brighton, and The Comfort Zone, a space for audiences to relax, unwind and reflect on the artwork they have seen.  Our priority is to empower individuals with the autonomy to choose how they participate in these initiatives.


Curator derives from the Latin word 'cura' meaning to take care. ‘Cura’ is close to the word 'cure' meaning to heal or restore health.

We care for the artwork, but what would gallery spaces be like if we showed the same care and consideration for the mental health of audiences. What if we could assist with that engagement? If we could develop a toolkit to improve audiences time inside the gallery. If we could enhance the overall experience for the viewer, and allow them to understand the work, and possibly themselves, more fully, in a safe, engaging, experimental setting.

We developed the Mad Manual Toolkit and The Comfort Zone spaces in early 2023 and have dissected and adjusted how this works, listening to audiences and acknowledging our own experiences.







📷 Rachel Deakin
© Broken Grey Wires