Crucial Conversations for Disabled Artists
Welcome to Little Cog's latest online Sp@ce conversations for disabled artists, building on our previous Crucial Conversation series - which you can read here . They are time for reflection in accessible spaces where disability is a given. It's important to feel connected and to know that other people are having similar experiences and also to share tips for survival in divisive times. We'll share our findings on our website and in our Disability Arts Online Blog. Vici Wreford-Sinnott will be your host and guest speakers will bring their experience and provocations for discussion. We'll post more information soon. Disabled artists from all communities are actively invited to attend to ensure intersectionality is at the forefront of our community and our campaigns. Monday 8 April - 6pm-7.30pm - The Progress We've Made It’s so important when we feel overwhelmed by a negative environment to reflect and take stock of just how far we’ve come, how much change has been achieved over the last 50 years and perhaps acknowledge some community and personal pivotal moments of change. There are amazing people in our lineage, amazing people (including you) working today, and we've created and experienced much ground-breaking and pioneering activity. We’re all making history all of the time. If the pressure of that feels too much, make sure to have a cuppa on standby. So let's revel in the rebellion and enjoy each other's company.
Monday 15 April - 2pm-3.30pm - Collective Voices/Personal Labour Today's conversation recognises the power of collective voices but wants to explore the personal labour we put into this. For decades, much of sharing our voices was through direct activism or channelled through disabled people's development organisations. How do we get together and raise our voices when needed - there are so many examples in our history, in our today and in our tomorrows - but also have protection of time, energy and a shared load. Are there models we could develop in which we safeguard ourselves whilst still having an impact?
Monday 22 April - 2pm-3.30pm - The Current Arts Environment Today's conversation focusses on our experience of the current arts environment as it struggles to rebuild during the latest stages of the pandemic. Has the hoped for change begun to be developed, are we back to square one, or is it more challenging for disabled artists? What are the biggest challenges we face as a community and are disabled people managing to keep working? Where do we go from here and what is the message we'd like to send to those with resources and decision-making powers ? We also look at our skills in positioning ourselves as equals.
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Cost - the sessions are free. Access - please complete your access requirements when booking and let us know if there are subjects you'd like us to avoid in conversation. We hope everyone will have an opportunity to contribute but please do note that it's also fine to attend and just listen in if your access means taking part wouldn't work for you. We have a mutual responsibility for the care of everyone attending and to be mindful that it is a one off discussion using a solution focussed approach without a facility for ongoing support. Definition - We use the term disabled artists in line with the social model of disability. We acknowledge not everyone uses that model and for clarity Deaf people, neurodivergent people and people with chronic conditions are included and invited to these sessions. Culture of the session - the sessions are offered on the basis of mutual respect and anti-discrimination. Ableism, racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, gender based discrimination, ageism and any other discrimination will not be tolerated. We are inviting people to let us know if there are areas of content they would specifically like us to avoid and we would ask everyone to be mindful about not describing trauma. We ask everyone to be considerate with their 'air-time' and to keep comments concise enough for others to have opportunities to contribute. Cancellation - we understand that circumstances change. If you are no longer able to attend please let us know to free up your place for another disabled artist. UK based disabled artists only please. |