we are DISrupt and this is our manifesto
Who are DISrupt?
DISrupt is a collective of disabled artists in Leeds who are working for change. Our aim is for disabled artists to get the place and recognition we deserve in the art world. So we want to disrupt barriers that prevent disabled artists from taking part equally in our city’s arts and culture.
We make art that is original, ambitious, exciting and relevant. We are all dedicated artists who take our work seriously. We are committed to developing our artistic practices so that we can share our view of the world.
Why we need DISrupt:
Disabled artists are often overlooked or excluded from opportunities and projects, limited and patronised by the ableist attitudes imposed on us by our sector and society. DISrupt is here to challenge those harmful stereotypes and make sure that disabled artists aren’t ignored any longer.
We don’t make art as a hobby or for therapy. We know that art can be good for well-being but DISrupt is not an arts and health group. We have come together to have a collective voice to support disabled artists with their professional development, to amplify and promote disabled artists’ work and to tackle ableism and disabling barriers in the arts, starting in Leeds. We want to work with anyone who shares these aims.
We are inspired by and proud to be part of the Disability Arts movement. We will work to build on its legacy in Leeds.
What we mean by disabled:
We include D/deaf people, neurodivergent people, learning disabled people, and people with physical, sensory, emotional, cognitive and intellectual impairments when we refer to disabled people. We won’t ask for proof or a diagnosis, if you self-identify as disabled then you’re welcome.
We recognise that disability is just part of a person’s identity and many other factors will shape disabled people’s experiences and impact on the barriers they face, these may include their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, refugee status, class and age.
We align ourselves with the social model of disability. We are disabled by physical and attitudinal barriers in society. You can read more about this on the Shape Arts website. We describe ourselves as disabled people when we talk about DISrupt. However, we believe that disabled people can describe themselves how they want so some people might use different words.
What we will do:
We will support and encourage disabled artists and their art practice.
We will provide a safe space for disabled artists to discuss their experiences of discrimination and ableism, offering peer support and signposting to other organisations for advice.
We will provide a forum for disabled artists to share their work to get feedback from each other.
We will share information with disabled artists about opportunities, commissions, professional development and exhibitions.
We will promote the work of disabled artists through our own communication channels and by working with partner organisations.
We will celebrate the diversity of disabled artists. This diversity enriches our collective.
We will create opportunities for disabled artists by seeking funding for commissions, exhibitions, professional development, and to support collaborations within our collective and with other partners.
We will promote best practice in the arts by developing relationships with arts and cultural organisations, acting as a critical friend to offer information and support about disability equality, access and working with disabled artists.
We will use our collective voice to advocate for disabled artists and to fight for representation in the shaping of inclusive and accessible arts and culture in Leeds.
There can be nothing about us without us
Watch a BSL version of our manifesto:
Listen to an audio version of our manifesto:
Download an Easy Read version of our manifesto:
Contact DISrupt:
disruptartistscollective@gmail.com
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Copyright:
© DISrupt Arts Leeds 2021. Copyright of any artwork shared on our website remains with the named artist. Please do not reproduce any artwork without the written permission of the artist. All right reserved.