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Description
The project responds to the inadequate implementation of Article 30.2. of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which guarantees persons with disabilities the opportunity to develop and utilize their creative, artistic and intellectual potential, not only for their own benefit, but also for the enrichment of society. In the Czech Republic, this provision is clearly not being met. Artists with learning disabilities are supported insufficiently and their works are practically not presented in regular galleries.
The project objectives are:
- To support the production of art by artists with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorders. For this purpose we will create a shared studio with qualified staff. Here the artists will have the possibility to work in traditional disciplines like painting and drawing, but also with multimedia techniques.
- To present these artists on line, in publications and in regular exhibition spaces and galleries. Some exhibitions will have accompanying programs that will focus on topics like human rights and destigmatization of people with learning disabilities.
- To support collaboration of artists with learning disabilities and artists without a disability. The project will include inclusive art workshops connecting artists with disabilities, artists without a disability and the general public. There will be also cooperation on multimedia projects.
- To create a methodological manual for the support of artists with disabilities. For this purpose there will be a mutual exchange of know-how and experience with our Icelandic partner Art Without Borders and other Icelandic organizations working with artists with learning disabilities.
Summary of project results
The Project Promoter has faced a lack of cooperation from some similarly oriented institutions. The challenge was to attract new or retain existing donors. The Project Promoter organized 3 group and 3 solo exhibitions in Prague and Iceland. The Project Promoter launched a new website barvolam.cz. Art facilitators created 4 online portfolios with the artists. The Project Promoter realized 34 inclusive jamming workshops (27 for the public,7 for artists and their art facilitators). Together with social work methodologists they published methodological material in CZ and EN. They organized 9 supervision meetings with therapists and 2 training blocks within the facilitators'' team. Twice they met with representatives of the partner organization (1 in Prague, 1 in Reykjavik). The Project Promoter promoted the artists'' work and informed about the need for inclusion through media interviews and articles and by publishing a lecture by an Icelandic expert on working with disabled artists.
As part of the project the Project Promoter ran a shared studio for 12 artists with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorders. The artists were professionally assisted in their work by 8 art facilitators.
Main outputs: a shared studio for 12 artists, including professional assistance of 8 art facilitators, 6 exhibitions (3 group,3 solo), 4 online portfolios, 34 inclusive jamming workshops (27 for public,7 for artists and their art facilitators), publication of methodological material in CZ/EN, 1 audience development strategy (with new website: barvolam.cz). Project raised awareness of the artists'' work,the need for social inclusion (1279 people attended the events).10 sponsors were attracted.
Barvolam provides opportunities for artists with disabilities to develop their creative potential (shared studio with qualified staff, presentation at exhibitions and through portfolios, etc.). Thus, through the project, the general public has been enriched by promoting an inclusive society and the development of creativity. In this way, the project contributed to strengthening social and economic development through cultural cooperation.
Summary of bilateral results
The partners prepared a joint exhibition in Reykjavík "TRACES FROM A TRIP", which was opened during the visit of Barvolam representatives to Iceland. During the visit of representatives of the partner organization in Prague, a public lecture by Margrét M.Norodahl (https://barvolam.cz/inkluzivni-svet-umeni-prednaska) in the Barvolam studio. Margaret M. Nor?dahl subsequently act as an opponent of the methodological material, which was the last output of the project (https://barvolam.cz/inkluze-v-umeni-metodou-art-facilitace-publikace).