Blog # 57…May 2016
Accessible
physical spaces have been with us for many years and I’ve found an amazing
range of art forms developing innovative ways for artists to express themselves
in spaces where we all go….important here to recognize the groups who have
worked for years with special galleries and theatres, but this leap to the main
stage is wonderful progress.
Artists
Without Barriers “aim to create fully sustainable and creative
environments that are accessible to people with dis/Abilities and that
celebrate
Tangledart a gallery at 401 Richmond West in Toronto opened on May 4 and is “boldly redefining how the world experiences art and those who create
it…helping untap potential and transform
the expected into the unexpected”.
I recently
heard about Scribes for Disabled Artists,
a group who act with visual artists to transform their visions and
sensibilities onto paper or canvas if they lack the physical capability
themselves. Expressing their creative
spirit, they’re seen as artists rather
than disabled people and gain access to a community in mainstream venues. Once again, art has a subtle but powerful
ability to change perceptions.
Last night I
was at Ultrasound, a theatre
production written and performed by deaf individuals with a theme relating to issues
deaf people face. This is a breakthrough event, co -produced by Cahoots Theatre and Theatre Passe Muraille. To celebrate
their 30th anniversary, Cahoots is launching the Deaf Artists &
Theatres Toolkit to promote the productions of deaf artists for deaf (and hearing)
audiences. Last September, Deaf West Theatre mounted a new version of the Tony winning Spring Awakening on Broadway with deaf and hearing actors ... applause was huge for this new way of listening.
The Deaf Cultural Centre,
located in the Distillery District, promotes participation in dance, music
(yup, it’s seen as math rather than just sound and transformed into a visual
form, I know, that’s a blog in itself) and encourages participation in
conventional spaces.
And, Passe
Muraille has started an interesting initiative called relaxed performances,
attracting an audience of folks who may find their tolerance for sitting or
their attention span challenged by regular performances…an opportunity for
mothers with babies to get out and enjoy themselves too.
I’m writing
a piece “What’s Normal Anyway?” for Moods, a great Canadian publication aimed
at people who are interested in mental health.
Strikes me this fits in to the theme of acceptance.
And speaking of mothers…we all have that in common, think of yours on Sunday…give her a break, it’s a tough job.
And speaking of mothers…we all have that in common, think of yours on Sunday…give her a break, it’s a tough job.
