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DISABILITY groups across Wigan and Leigh
will use the arts to raise awareness about the type of problems they
face in society later this month.
The borough’s second Disability Arts Festival is due to take place at
Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley On Thursday 26th November but it
isn’t just about showcasing some of the best talent around…it’s also an
opportunity!
Vicky Fletcher, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Arts Development
Officer explained: “DIS:PATCHES 09 is not just about bringing together
local disability art groups to showcase their work it’s also an
opportunity to influence and address issues around equality, inclusion
and access using the arts.
“The arts create a safe environment for people to express their feelings
in a way that doesn’t require writing or even speaking, allowing people
with severe physical and mental disabilities to have a voice.
“This festival is about them expressing those issues and concerns and
ultimately influencing future policy.”
Last year’s inaugural event – called Perceptions – centred around themes
such as access and stereotypes. One of the groups photographed people
parking alongside dropped kerbs showing the problems it causes for
wheelchair users. Another group produced labels saying “we don’t have an
opinion” and “we don’t have a mind” to highlight misconceptions.
The consultation and work as part of Perceptions formed the basis of a
document and film which will be shown at this year’s event and will also
be distributed to key stakeholders including Wigan Leisure and Culture
Trust, Wigan Council and other partners to help identify how
improvements in services can be made.
This year’s festival has attracted interest from across the north west
including support from leading disability art organisations.
More than 100 performers will take part during the night expressing
their concerns and issues through dance, acting and film.
DIS:PATCHES 09 will take place at Fred Longworth High School, Tyldesley,
on Thursday 26th November. Performances start at 7pm.
An exhibition of works by adults attending Broadmead Day Centre in
Golborne will be shown at the Turnpike Gallery, Leigh between 30th
November and 11th December as part of the festival.
The exhibition focuses on the borough’s mining history and local
heritage.
Pre-booking for this year’s festival is essential call 01942 486 918.
-ends-
Picture Attached: Members of Leigh based ACE (Adult Community Education)
performing last year
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and
support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over
300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough. See
www.wlct.org
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