For anyone who has hidden themselves to belong

Take off the mask.Make some noise.

MindUnmasked creates space for neurodivergent artists—and anyone who has experienced masking or creative exclusion—to create freely, connect honestly, and be heard.

Join the community Read our manifesto

01 / Why MindUnmasked exists

Masking costs more than most people realize.

Hiding your instincts, your voice, and the way you see the world does not just exhaust you. It disconnects you from your art.

Many people spend years—sometimes decades—performing a version of themselves that feels acceptable to everyone else.

We are building creative spaces where that performance can stop: spaces shaped around acceptance, accessibility, autonomy, and the radical idea that your real voice deserves room.

02 / This space is for

Anyone who has ever masked. Especially artists.

001

Autistic artists & musicians

002

Artists with ADHD

003

Writers, performers & filmmakers

004

Adults exploring neurodivergence

005

People excluded from creative spaces

006

Families, allies & collaborators

03 / What we stand for

Built differently from the start.

Acceptance

Come as you are. No explanation, performance, or proof required.

Creative Freedom

Art without gatekeeping, judgment, or one “right” way to make it.

Authenticity

Real voices, real work, and real people—not polished performances.

Accessibility

Programs designed with neurodivergent needs in mind from day one.

Community

Connection without having to perform normalcy to earn it.

Empowerment

Every artist should leave more confident in their voice.

04 / Find your way in

There is room for you here.

MindUnmasked grows through artists, organizers, venues, collaborators, and people willing to make space for voices that are too often filtered out.

Artists

Share your work, apply for programs, and join the creative community.

↗02

Volunteers

Support events, outreach, artist care, and programs on the ground.

↗03

Partners

Collaborate on venues, exhibitions, events, and creative opportunities.

↗04

Supporters

Attend, share, donate, and help amplify the artists and the mission.

↗

Replace with PK portrait if desired

05 / The story behind the work

A lifetime of hiding became a reason to build something better.

MindUnmasked was founded by Nathaniel "PK" Haefs. After his daughter was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, PK began recognizing familiar traits and experiences in his own life.

Learning about autism, ADHD, masking, and neurodivergence helped his identity, relationships, career, and connection to punk and goth culture make sense in a new way. He created MindUnmasked so other artists could feel safe, supported, valued, and free to create.

Unmask. Create. Be heard.

Your voice was never the problem.

Join a creative community being built around the people who were told to tone themselves down.

Get involved Return to RetailSLUT