When thinking about museums and galleries, the representation of disability is not something that springs to mind. In fact, it is very much overlooked to the point where it is either not featured at all or when it is, disabled people are stereotyped and their real stories remain unheard. It was evident throughout the Rethinking Disability symposium, (held March 9, 2018), that people were enthused and wanted to take action and build on the progress that has been made. There was talk of museums and galleries being bolder, more challenging and less fearful of putting on disability-led work. Evidently, though, this symposium demonstrated how much work we still have to do, but it was important to see organisations that have the same goal and vision coming together to state their intentions to make disability become an integral part of the museum sector.
“Exhibitions about disability are not risky, but they are ambitious.”
-Barry Ginley, Head of Disability and Inclusion, Victoria & Albert Museum
Accentuate's project History of Place held its 'Rethinking Disability' symposium at the Museum of Liverpool on March 9th, to discuss what needs to change in museums and galleries when it comes to disability representation in the museum sector. Steph Niciu reflects on the afternoon and how it got her thinking in ways that she had not before.
Comments