Equal+Able=Not a Label
This is the third project in our embedding diversity series. These projects are co-produced with a Collections Community Panel.
It was first established in 2021 and has now grown to encompass a variety of lived experiences; different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, fluidity in gender and sexuality and diverse neurotypes and abilities.
In 2022, we explored LGBTQIA+ stories in Here & Queer and in 2023 we looked at the topics of class and identity, in Pride & Privilege.
For our 2024 project we have taken the concept of Ableism as our starting point for Equal+Able = Not a Label. What does Ableism mean to you?
- Ableism is discrimination against those with disabilities.
- We may have all been affected by ableism at some point, either directly or indirectly.
- Perhaps when a person acts superior, assumes they know better and decides what’s best for others.
- Ableism creates a world in which people will never feel good enough, causes shame and perpetuates stigma and prejudice.
- Around 1:5 people in the UK have a disability, 1:4 experience poor mental health or live with a mental health condition, and 1:7 is neurodivergent.
Disability and Neurodiversity are a normal part of everyday life
2024 Collections Programme Launch
Saturday 8 June 2024, 12-4pm.
Free, drop in activities will take place between 12-4pm on Floors 1&2 including:
- Badge Making (all afternoon)
- Garman Ryan Trail tours of Here&Queer and Pride&Privilege (12-1.30)
- Welcome and Refreshments (1.30-2)
- Panel tour of the new temporary exhibition (2pm)
- Touch and Audio Description tour (3pm)
Come and meet members of the Collections Community Panel, in an informal, relaxed environment.
For any specific access requests please contact Collections Curator, Julie, or Embedding Diversity Project Assistant, Kiran, on ccpwalsall@gmail.com
Equal+Able=Not A Label online event (BSL interpreted)
Thursday 19 September, 6-7pm. Free.
An online introduction to the exhibition for The Association of Art History’s 2024 Art History Festival.
Tour of Equal + Able = Not A Label (in English & BSL)
Saturday 21 September, 11am-1pm. Free.
Join us for an introductory tour of the Equal+Able=Not A Label temporary exhibition co-produced with our Collections Community Panel. This tour will have BSL interpretation and will be followed be an introduction to BSL basics, in support of the International Day of Sign Languages on 23 September, and ahead of National Inclusion Week (23-29 September).
This event is part of the Association for Art History’s 2024 Art History Festival (taking place between 16-22 September).
Body in Movement: Sketching and Performance
Saturday 12 October, 12-4pm. Free, drop-in.
A collaborative drawing session, celebrating the body in movement and sketching for wellbeing for World Mental Health Day.
This relaxed, informal session, will present the opportunity to work with Collections Community Panel member, and Birmingham-based artist, Cristina Celestini. Cristina will lead the drawing for wellbeing session, taking inspiration from works of art in our Collections, as well as two live performances happening on the day.
Alex Billingham will be doing a slow, durational performance throughout the day in the gallery spaces, responding to their selection of Laura Ford’s Beast in the Equal+Able temporary exhibition and their experience as a disabled artist. While Corinne, a disabled artist who spends most of their time confined to bed, will perform virtually from home, appearing on screen live in the Gallery, responding to their chosen work Tracey x Tracey by Tracey Emin at 2pm.
Equal+Able collections trail tour (in English and BSL)
Saturday 7 December, 2-4pm. Free.
Join us for an introductory tour of the Equal+Able Garman Ryan collections trail co-produced with our Collections Community Panel. This tour will have BSL interpretation and will be followed be an introduction to BSL basics, and is timed to celebrate National Disability Month (16 November -16 December) and International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December).