Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery will host a weekend of ‘Disability Joy’ in November in collaboration with the We Are The People project from Bath Spa University; it’s the first event of its kind in the UK and sets out to “explore Disability Joy through play, art, research and disco.”
The event is open to everyone on Saturday 14th November, with a busy daytime schedule of films, boardgames, art activism workshops, sensory resources from Cornwall Libraries and a performance from a Makaton Choir, followed by a ‘bring your own vinyl’ session with Redruth Record Club from 4pm – 7pm.
Eventgoers will also be able to explore the exhibition, Art Any Way, which features an eclectic range of self-taught and non-traditional artists who offer fresh and exhilarating perspectives.
On Sunday 15th November, We Are The People will host a symposium exploring the different ways the project has been shaped by working co-productively with disabled people, with the aim of embedding meaningful and lasting change.
With guest speakers and workshops from the We Are The People team, and panel discussions from Queer Out Loud CIC and Art Any Way artist, James Lake, the symposium will also feature an opportunity to make a protest placard or badge with artist, Ruan Murphy.
Hazel Vernon, Project Manager at We Are The People, said:
“Our project challenges the way research has been previously conducted, with a strong focus on being by disabled people, influenced by the historic ‘Nothing about us, without us’ slogan. This event at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery will be an opportunity to share our research findings in an engaging and fun way. We’re very grateful to our funders, Wellcome, for all their support with this event and the project as a whole.”
Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery is “committed to being a museum for all”, recently reaching the finals of the Cornwall Tourism Awards in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category, which recognises spaces and teams that excel in providing an inclusive customer experience.
Emma Gibson, Programme and Engagement Manager at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, said:
“It feels like a really important time in the very new world of disability research and activism. We’re privileged to be working with some of the leading academics and advocates in this area thanks to our partnership with We Are The People, at Bath Spa University. The Disability Joy weekend in November will be an opportunity for disabled people and non-disabled allies to come along and experience research outcomes, get involved by taking part in activities and enjoy the exhibitions as well as a spot of disco!”
About The Museum
Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in the heart of Truro is home to a treasure trove of art and artefacts shedding light on what makes Cornwall such a unique and special place. As well as the permanent collections, the museum has an exciting and diverse programme of exhibitions to discover each year.
An Annual Pass costs £10, while members and Under 18s are free.
About We Are The People
We Are the People is a group of researchers based at Bath Spa University engaged in disability research and activism, funded by the Wellcome Trust.
Over a 5-year period we have been engaged in disability research and disability activism. The research has been co-produced with disabled people, community groups and Disabled People’s Organisations within the South West.
The project has challenged the way research has been previously conducted, with a strong focus on being by disabled people, influenced by the historic ‘Nothing about us, without us’ slogan.
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