Art by people with disabilities is often seen as inferior by the fine art world. But this groundbreaking exhibition will show that dance, drawing, essay, fictional narrative, small-scale installation art, painting, performance art, photography, poetry, printmaking, sculpture, theater and video/film will treat creations by people with disabilities as equally worthy as those by people without disabilities.
"A Somewhat Secret Place: Disability and Art" will also include creations of non-disabled artists on the subject of disability. It will demonstrate the cultural contributions of disabled artists and indeed the prevalence of disability in art.
Applicants must be 18 years or older and live in Oregon. No formal art or literary education is necessary. All entries will be considered for inclusion in the exhibition and the book. One hundred dollar stipends will be awarded to 12 of the fine artists, 4 of the performing artists, and 12 of the writers.
The events will take place all through July 2011, Disability Pride Month, at a Portland exhibition space. It will include six additional events, two community events, weekly 30-60 minute Artist Talks and an exhibition catalogue.
The general public in the Tri-county Portland area will see this but the true audience is the international arts and literary communities.
This exhibition will present contemporary art's relationship to disability by answering two questions: How are the creative practices of artists with disabilities shaped by disability and disability identity? How is disability represented and referenced by artists without disabilities?
The venue will be accessible to wheelchairs; images will be hung lower than the standard to be more accessible; ASL interpreters will be present at all events; interactive art objects that visitors can enjoy tactilely will be included and audio descriptions will be included in the book.
Organizations and educational groups will participate with grassroots advertising to promote the exhibition. Donations will be sought from Oregon wineries, brewers, local caterers and grocery stores of refreshments, chairs and supplies at events.
How to enter "A Somewhat Secret Place: Disability and Art"
Submissions will be accepted until January 14, 2011.
The application is at http://asomewhatsecretplace.wordpress.com/apply-to-a-somewhat-secret-place-disability-and-art/ An application consists of an artist statement, biography, and images or samples of work. For a hard copy application mail a self-addressed envelope stamped $0.88 to 1040 NW 10th Avenue Portland, OR 97209. Application Assistance is available up to December 10 for those unable to organize application materials independently. An application may be organized by a second party. Collaborative applications will be accepted.
For questions or comments contact Catherine J.H. Miller at [email protected]
For complete details of policy see http://en.gravatar.com/asomewhatsecretplace
