enSHRINE (2021)
By
Cath Walsh, Deborah Nash, Kev Howard, Steph Robson, Cathy Garner, Colly Metcalfe, Andy, Nicki, Paula, Sofia Barton, Sarah Li, Lady Kitt and Dan Russell
Colour photograph interior. A white sign with orange cut out writing says 'Access Obstacles' The sign hangs on purple paper. image credit: Art Matters Now
enSHRINE brings together North-East communities of disabled people to investigate ways of making art centres, galleries and arts organisations more accessible. It is a project for ‘Social Artists For Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (SAFEDI), with Axis, Manchester Metropolitan University and Social Art Network, supported by Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art (Gateshead).
Image description: colour photograph, interior. Installation which includes creating a partitioned space using 11 meter by 2.75 meter sheets of bright pink and purple, recycled paper and a series of moulded sculptural works including hill-like structures, appearing to drip from the window, or pour out of the walls. Bright pink and purple sheets of scrumpled paper are piled up hight against the window in layers - they look a bit like sedimentary rock formations. They obscure most of the view into the shop unit. Within these large, paper forms are hidden tiny, intricately sculpted, 3D objects. A bright green poster with cut-out letters reads, ‘What stops you from seeing, feeling, hearing, knowing, reaching out?’. Image credit: Jules Lister.
We have discussed the barriers we face by creating an “Access Obstacle Course” and have offered solutions to some of these through our “Access Recitations”. The tiny paper sculptures in the window represent “Access Obstacles” (barriers).
Like broken equipment (the smashed glasses), distance (the paper boat) and a lack of time (the clock). Inside the shop unit paintings, photographs and texts offer “Access Recitations” (ideas for removing barriers). We hope it will be a useful tool for people who want to think about making art centres, galleries and art organisations more open, welcoming, accessible places for lots of different people.
Our focus has been on how creative collaboration can be part of policy change. We want the ideas from this project to be enshrined in policy by art venues, making their work more accessible.
“What a brilliant and thought-provoking piece of work – thank you for your care and criticality.”
“It’s an important piece. We are very proud to be involved. For me it does speak about exclusion in wider place making too. How less powerful people are can be ignored by those who should know and do better and the systems and collusion that allow this. Folx are often labelled moaners when they voice a valid and informed opinion, instead of being listened too. Such a great way of opening up dialogues.”
You can take a virtual tour of enSHRINE below:
More information: https://www.axisweb.org/safedi/
