Artists for Autism Awareness: Merak 2026 Celebrates the Power of Creative Collaboration

A powerful convergence of art, education, and social impact is set to take centre stage in Sri Lanka with Merak 2026, a national initiative spearheaded by The Tree House International. Bringing together artists, universities, international organisations, and community groups, the project is redefining how creative collaboration can drive awareness and inclusion for autism.

At the heart of the initiative lies an ambitious Guinness Record attempt to create the world’s longest sensory board, a 60metre installation designed to reflect the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Each segment of the board is a distinct artistic contribution, collectively forming a deeply immersive and educational public artwork. Apart from commercially available sensory items like fidget spinners, bolts, zips and sequins, the boards also include recycled ocean plastic, repurposed sensory items, and naturally sourced sensory material. 

Dr Anton James, Founder of The Tree House International, said, “Merak 2026 is not simply an art installation; it is a living, breathing expression of awareness building and inclusion. Most of the people who joined us to create boards were unaware of what Autism was, for them, this has been much more than just an artistic endeavour, it has been an opportunity to learn, understand and empathise in a way they hadn’t in the past. Every board tells a story, and together those stories challenge how society understands neurodiversity. What we are building is not just a structure, but a shift in perception.”

Contributions to the initiative have flooded in. KIU University, University of Jaffna, and University of Moratuwa have played a vital role in conceptualising and constructing boards.  Community-driven artistic voices, including Theeraniyam in Batticaloa, have enriched the project with culturally rooted contributions. Diplomatic partners such as the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, as well as schools such as St Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia, Jaffna Hindu College, Mowbray College Kandy, British School, St Nicholas International School, Rainbow Kids Montessori, Priscilla Caren and The Secret Garden, Victory Special School and the Treehouse International have also joined the movement.

Nayantara Fonseka and Nyne Hotels, the I See You movement as well as clinical psychologists, speech therapists, art teachers and others around Sri Lanka, have stepped up to contribute, along with a diverse group of creatives, including business woman, writer and artists Ineke Pitts who described her vision when creating her contributions “I want to take the audience on a multi-sensory journey…We remember the unique contributions of those on the spectrum throughout history…and how they make us experience the world as a more…beautiful place”.  

International collaboration further strengthens the initiative, with the Maldivian Ministry of Education and the Care Society Charity in the Maldives contributing creative and advocacy support. Dr Anton is particularly proud of a series of boards that were created by those who have been part of an   ongoing community awareness programme that sees him travelling from North to South and East to West, determined to bring knowledge and insight about autism to even the most remote parts of the country.

Messages of solidarity have poured in from leading international organisations.  Sarah Cassidy, President of the Psychological Society of Ireland said “Meaningful inclusion can only progress when we truly celebrate the multilayered and complex experiences of Autistic lives. Celebrating sensory diversity can simultaneously reduce stigma…fostering understanding, collaboration, and improved quality of life for the autistic community”.

Merak 2026 – the World’s Longest Sensory Board will be on display at the BMICH on 16^th and 17^th May and is open to public viewing from 11 am on Saturday and 10 am on Sunday. The two-day event aims to encourage public engagement, interaction, empathy-building, and dialogue around neurodiversity.

Merak 2026 is supported by Title Sponsors Nyne Hotels and The Kayden Cares Framework, along with Wellbeing and Strategic Partner – I See You and the Infinite Grace Foundation. Exclusive Banking Partner – Hatton National Bank. Furniture partner – Phoenix. F&B partner – Diamond Best Food. Official digital partner – Pulse. Print partner – Anim8. Support has also come from CAL, MAC Holdings, CBL, Mode Engineering, and Parents of The Tree House International.