Blog - Learning Disability
The first frost has fallen
October 6, 2019 - by Bryony ParsonsThe first frost has fallen, The leaves have turned golden, Days are becoming shorter, Squirrels are gathering their nuts, Winter clothes are back in the wardrobe, Hats and gloves are ready to be worn, Nights are becoming colder, Birds begin to fly south, Windy, wet weather seems to be constant, Wet leaves make a slippery ground, Hot chocolates become a ...
Miss Havisham’s Wedding Dress
September 17, 2019 - by Michelle BaharierI am a multi-disciplinary artist and in 2012 I made work that celebrated the London Olympics and the Paralympics but also Charles Dickens' bi-centenary, depicting Miss Havisham's Wedding Dress. It's now being brought out of storage for a new show, Impatient! Stories of service user advocacy at Bethlem Museum of ...
Shadowlight Artists celebrate 10 years
September 17, 2019 - by Shadowlight ArtistsPhoto from left: Tom Breach (illustrator and animator), Mark Hemsworth (photographer and filmmaker), Wendy Belcher (filmmaker and performer), Chris Oakley (Creative Advisor), Russell Highsmith (playwright), Danny Smith (performer and painter), Richard Hunt (painter and mixed media artist) and Lucy Skuce (installation artist and filmmaker) Shadowlight Artists celebrate 10 years, international festival ...
Dream Job: Working with Matthew Hellett
August 8, 2019 - by Sandra AllandListen to this article: I regularly scan the internet for disabled and D/deaf films – and make lists for next time I'm lucky enough to be a programmer. In 2016, I was thrilled to come across Matthew Hellett's 'Mrs Sparkle'. It's unusual to find disabled LGBTQI+ films, especially ones with excitingly ...
Oska Bright and Europe
May 3, 2019 - by Oska BrightOska Bright’s international reach and influence has seen a shift away from Australia and Canada towards Europe over the past year. Whether this is a coincidence or a reflection of the geo-political zeitgeist is anyone’s guess. But it is a timely and necessary convergence of thinking, ideas and determination that ...
“We’re here, we’re visible” by Matthew Kennedy
March 18, 2019 - by Oska BrightHi, I’m Matthew Kennedy, an artist/filmmaker from Glasgow, Scotland. I’m pleased to be writing my first blog post for Disability Arts Online about how Oska Bright Film Festival has given me a platform as a queer learning disabled filmmaker and how I’ve come to appreciate and love what the film ...
Ten Years of Disabled- and Skint-Led Queer & Trans Art in Scotland: An alternative LGBTQI+ History
February 22, 2019 - by Sandra AllandTen years ago today, on 22nd February, 2009, I was part of the first ever Cachín Cachán Cachunga! As long-time curator of CCC's cabarets, art exhibitions and community events, I want to share a brief-ish history of the many milestones this anniversary celebrates. I'll also explain why ...
Oska Bright Film Festival is open for submissions
February 7, 2019 - by Oska BrightOska Bright Film Festival, the world’s leading learning disability film festival, is open for submissions for its 2019 festival. I'm Matthew Hellett, the Lead Programmer, and I want you to submit your films! It's so easy, and we're really approachable. We are looking for films that are made by, or feature ...
PERSPECTIVES | Final Exhibition at Manchester One
January 28, 2019 - by Venture ArtsLearning disabled artists present their final exhibition in the Perspectives series in the heart of Manchester city centre- supported by Bruntwood - 29 January – 6 February 2019 City centre Bruntwood space - Manchester One, will host the final exhibition to complete the PERSPECTIVES series – a variety of exhibitions, happenings and creative exchanges ...
She tried her hand
December 3, 2018 - by Bryony ParsonsYou try your hardest to keep a peaceful lifestyle, but sometimes you try too hard. She tried her hand at most things, but drew the line at honesty, She tugs at the heart strings, and tries to keep her sanity. She fakes a smile, and pretends to be happy, To keep a peaceful lifestyle, despite feeling low and ...