What will be new about The Disability Issue?

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Around a month ago, readers learnt it was time for me to refurbish The Disability Issue. It seemed clear that it was time to focus on disability arts, as I’ve occasionally discussed this blog topic and enjoyed doing so. After getting involved with various projects in 2020, I’ve learnt plenty more about it too.

I’ve always loved the arts, so why wouldn’t I love disability arts? Disabled people are so talented too. In my eyes, disabled people’s creativity can be more intriguing because of the circumstances in which we live. We certainly don’t know for sure if various historical figures had disabilities. However, people can’t rule out the possibility of historical legends Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Beethoven, and Edgar Allan Poe having epilepsy.

It’s the disability I manage, and I can’t help but find that interesting. Did I get lucky? I have such a keen interest in the arts. I’ve written and played music in the past and wrote poetry in 2020 too. Later this year, I plan to edit and publish the first draft of my first written young adult novel. But, lets put all that aside now, as there’s a question to answer.

What will be new about The Disability Issue?

Disabled artists have earned my attention

Although I enjoy writing music and poetry, I’m due to focus on blogging. I’ve previously offered all sorts of information, advice and opinion to disabled people deal in society. But I know I’d prefer to keep disabled people positive by telling them what arts we can currently access.

We need to keep disability arts as alive as possible. In all honesty, I feel our community lack motivation right now. Not many people are blogging about disability arts. Isn’t that a good reason to learn what’s new by viewing The Disability Issue once, twice, or a few more times per week?

This blog will include information about:

  • Disability arts events are occurring online soon for people to attend.
  • What occurred at recently held disability arts events.
  • Upcoming Zoom meetings disabled people may want to attend
  • The previous artwork disabled artists have created. Do they intend to produce more in the future? These posts will often involve interviews with disabled artists themselves.

I recently had a chat with various disabled artists, organisations, and last year’s critical disability arts alliance in the UK: #WeShallNotBeRemoved. Over 700 disabled artists or organisation superiors joined the association to become members in 2020. Some people got more involved with our work than others. However, the foundation possibly gained more attention than ever last year on Twitter. Speaking out about the work we’ve completed, the profile @WSNBRUK spread the word of what disability arts many of us have to offer.

Picking up performers, painters, planners and more

Right now, there are a few negative issues people associate with the arts alliance. The leading social media platform it runs from is Slack. From what I’ve learnt, people aren’t so keen on using it. However, #WeShallNotBeRemoved does now have a website and provides regular updates via Twitter too. Still, in my opinion, they could be a little more positive.

That’s one reason I want to search for what’s happening all over the UK. After doing my research, I’ve come across various disability arts. Organisations and individuals are obviously still making efforts. However, we all need to know where to find them. It may not be the most popular topic, and some organisations aren’t currently taking action. But some organisations are still available, making their efforts up, down and around the country.

So, after browsing around, what’s worth knowing about?

Recently, I’ve appreciated the fact that Disability Arts Cymru seemed keen to form a friendship. The organisation is involved with meaningful, exciting events that people can occasionally attend online. They also offer you opportunities you shouldn’t ignore. It keeps you updated with news of disability arts in Wales. It all sounds interesting to me.

One thing to mention is the fact that it’s International Women’s Day on 8 March 2021! On that day, Disability Arts Cymru is forming a partnership with #WeShallNotBeRemoved. A celebration of disabled and D/deaf women across the UK will be made available. The theme this year is Choose to Challenge. If you’re disabled, you can find out more about getting involved on either the Disability Arts Cymru or WeShallNotBeRemoved website.

Of course, there are so many disability arts organisations around the country. That’s why I want to speak about this sort of thing! To spot what’s happening, where it is, and how to take advantage of it. Whether these organisations talk about disability arts as a whole (e.g. Disability Arts Online) or specify visual arts, music, film, theatre, dance, etc. – there are plenty up, down and around the country.

When regarding the arts, who are continuing to create?

After getting to know more disabled artists via #WeShallNotBeRemoved last year, I gained even more interest in the work of individuals making our arts. People formed the arts alliance to ensure a sustainable future for disability arts during and after the pandemic. It wants to amplify the voices of D/deaf and disabled artists. It seems like a good time to help people do that.

The work of young disabled artist Ella Evenson hasn’t failed to impress me, and I’ll telling you more about her soon.

Last year, I met interesting artists and saw the great work they can produce. After discussing the alliance, they will arrange interviews with a few disabled artists, and I’ve also contacted a few creative individuals myself. I have plans to speak with artists and explain a bit about their background. I want to show and tell you about the disability arts they produce. They regularly still have work for viewing online – so I’ll show it to you and tell you where to find it.

Of course, we’ll occasionally add a few more

You shouldn’t be too surprised to see a third post occurring in the week from time to time. Do people feel passionate about a significant disability arts event arriving soon? Say no more – we’ll want to talk about it too.

Do not be shy to express any art

Do you want to get down to business and see what’s on offer now? Well, Disability Arts Online provides an excellent directory of places and people to investigate.

If you’ve felt curious and interested in getting involved – becoming an artist yourself – then why not go for it? We’re still in a lockdown, and there’s quite a while of waiting time. Consider searching online, seeing what you can participate in, and giving it a go as well.

I’ll be looking to produce at least two blog posts per week. One will discuss upcoming events and opportunities available for disabled people. The other will speak about the work of one or two disabled artist/s, explaining more about their background and the work that they’re due to complete.

We want to keep the disability arts scene flowing as much as possible. If you come by and read the blog, you’re doing a good thing. It isn’t a tiresome task to take on, either. I’m quite happy to be writing about disability arts.

I look forward to the blog’s future!