05.07.2005
The world famous Tate Modern displayed works of art created by people with severe learning disabilities, together with students from the University of Brighton's School of Arts and Communication, as part of 'In the Frame; Learning Disability Arts Conference.'
The conference, organised by Mencap and hosted by Tate Modern, was run by people with a learning disability for people with learning disabilities, gallery managers and arts officers. It gave participants a chance to have their say about what would make galleries and the arts better for them. The conference featured an impressive exhibition of paintings, drawings and sculptures by people with a learning disability along with performance workshops, films and accessible tours of Tate Modern.
Peter Cutts, from the Access to Art project, next to his painting of angels
Alice Fox from the University of Brighton's School of Arts and Architecture, screened her film 'Degrees of Separation' and ran a workshop with a student with learning disabilities, Andrew Apicella, as part of the conference. She said: "It was fantastic to be asked to share information about the work we're doing at the university with students and people with disabilities, which is not only unique, but groundbreaking."
"It was amazing for the students with learning disabilities to see their pictures displayed at the Tate Modern. The conference has proved that given the right support and opportunities, people with a learning disability can broaden their horizons and achieve a lot in life."
Access to Art was established via University of Brighton's innovative Community University Partnership Programme (www.cupp.org.uk).
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton,
01273 643022
