Space: Knowledge for Action for Change - a new programme of workshops and conversations promoting anti-ableism in the arts

News from Artistic Director, Vici Wreford-Sinnott about a new programme of activities creating space to think about anti-ableist practices and creativity.

I was recently awarded a project grant by Arts Council England to develop my new solo show - more of that another day - but alongside this work I am committed as ever to creating spaces to connect, develop and promote anti-ableism in the arts. Ableism is a default setting in the arts but it is also a choice - whether the claim is ignorance, not knowing where to start or budget constraints, it is still a choice. 

So I have created Sp@ce - Knowledge for Action for Change which consists of four creative writing workshops, 3 crucial conversations for disabled artists to connect and reflect (and possibly plot and plan) and a series of three Anti-Ableism Workshops for Arts Sector staff, boards and practitioners. They are taking place across March and April 2024 while I'm writing and preparing to rehearse the new show. 

I actively invite disabled artists from all communities to be involved so that intersectionality is at the forefront of our creativity and campaigns.

Disabled Women's Monologues is a space for disabled women writers - all levels of experience welcome - to spend time in good company exploring the skills needed for monologue writing in your own voice. The sessions will be fun, supportive and accessible. There are three online sessions and one in person at ARC Stockton. The first workshop is on International Women's Day - what a perfect day to come together and be creative. Booking is through Eventbrite and there is a link to tell you more here but these are the dates so get them in your diaries. Places are limited.  

​Friday 8 March - 2.00pm-4.00pm (online)
Wednesday 13 March - 3.30pm-5.30pm (online)
Monday 18 March - 1.30pm-3.30pm (online)
Tuesday 19 March - 6pm-8pm (in person at ARC Stockton) 
FREE OF CHARGE

Crucial Conversations Disabled Artists is a follow up to my 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 to you, 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. There is a chance to be really positive as we recall pivotal moments of change brought about by disabled people in the arts over the last forty-fifty years. Again dates are below with the booking link further down. 

​Friday 15 March - 2pm-4pm -  Collective Voices/Personal Labour 
Friday 22 March - 3pm-5pm - The Current Arts Environment
Monday 8 April - 6pm-7.30pm - The Progress We've Made
FREE OF CHARGE

Anti-Ableist Practices in Art and Culture is a series of three workshops designed for the arts sector. I'm so excited about them so please tell your local venues, arts organisations and theatre companies about them.  Venues and organisations these workshops are welcoming and supportive, and start from where you are. I really want us all to thrive and so it's vital to provide our allies and potential allies with the right information, as more harm than good can be done with ill-informed good intentions. We know there are good people in arts organisations who realise their work will be richer for including missing voices.  We want to make that change lasting so have some great advice for exploring and understanding ableism and anti-ableist practice, along with guidelines for taking action which can be embedded into your organisations. 

​Friday 12 April - 1.30pm-3.00pm - Anti-Ableist Practices
Friday 19 April 1.30pm-3.00pm - Disabled Narratives in Drama
Tuesday 23 April 4.00pm-6.00pm - Cultural Equity Beyond Access
​PAY WHAT YOU DECIDE

BOOKING
You can get more information on our website here, where you will be directed to Eventbrite for booking. If anyone has any access problems with Eventbrite please email us directly at [email protected]