creative forces

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

and nurture a diversity of abilities and approaches to communication”.  A recent opening at a Queen West bar (fully accessible) featured musicians as well as painting, sounded like a great evening.

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 30^th 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.