A CARLISLE based disability arts organisation has teamed up with the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Arts to deliver a symposium to showcase inclusive arts in higher education.
Prism Art’s symposium event will be held at the university’s Brampton Road campus and will be 'the first of its kind' in the area.
Taking place on Tuesday July 5 from 10am – 4.30pm, the event offers a day of active sharing, workshops and presentations demonstrating how learning disabled and autistic artists can access learning opportunities and develop as artists in higher education settings.
Representatives from the partnership will share the findings of ‘Step Up’ a two-year progression project, funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which tested routes for learning disabled and autistic artists to develop and produce their own work.
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The event will be suitable for people working in public sector organisations, education, cultural and arts organisations wishing to work more inclusively, freelance artists and students with an exciting programme of creative workshops, presentations and exhibitions developed and co-curated by the artists.
Catherine Coulthard, director, Prism Arts said: "We are delighted to be co-presenting this event with the University of Cumbria. It is the first time that leading disability arts organisations and artists are coming to Carlisle to share their practice, alongside our artists at Prism Arts.
This event is ideal for disabled people, care and support organisations and educational organisations interested in exploring routes for learning disabled and autistic artists to access creative learning and development opportunities," she said.
Dr Colette Conroy, director of Institute of Arts at University of Cumbria, said: "Our Institute of Arts has a firm focus on community engagement and strong partnerships. These collaborations are enabling us to develop learning opportunities that are relevant to the Creative and Cultural Industries in the years to come. Prism Arts is a valuable partner to the Institute, and we look forward to continuing to work with and learn from them.
"The Step Up Step Forward programme has been an enriching experience for all of us, especially the lecturers and students who have worked alongside Prism Arts over the last two years. It has brought a new element to our on-campus provision, and we will celebrate this when we welcome visitors to the symposium. We look forward to an active day of knowledge sharing, with workshops and presentations to demonstrate how learning disabled and autistic artists can access learning opportunities and develop as artists in a higher education setting, making a vibrant and exciting contribution,” she said.
Tickets for the symposium cost £50 for organisations, £20 freelance artists, individuals, and £5 for students and the unemployed. Carers go free. Price includes all workshops, lunch and refreshments and can be booked via www.prismarts.org.uk/join-us/step-up-step-forward/
50 per cent off all tickets is available throughout June for group bookings, just use Promo Code: GROUPBOOKING.
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