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inclusion
Show starters

Asserting rights is not enough – what should we be fighting for? Jan
walmsley finds some inspired answers through creative, unconventional
performances in mainstream arenas

knew what I was fighting for once. In the The second was a musical performance What is so refreshing is that these
mid 1980s, a time of fierce optimism, in Watford by electric Umbrella roles were performed in far from
i we knew what was right. Once we had (electricumbrella.co.uk), a large, very conventional ways. I went round
closed the institutions and substituted an diverse group of people with learning Madhouse with members of Blue
ordinary life, all would be well. disabilities. It was probably the most Diamond, a group of people with Down’s
The certainty that state hostels, day inclusive event I’ve ever experienced. The syndrome who had come from Dublin to
centres and professional care were the music was exuberant and joyful, and London to see it. Their response was
solution was giving way to a more abstract everyone had a part if they wanted one. visceral, energetic and energising. They
clamour for rights. There was faith that The third was Access All Areas’ talked back to the performers and
self-advocates would forge a path, the professional and challenging performance cheered – they were doing it differently.
need for support would somehow wither Madhouse Re: Exit (review, page 18). An audience member said to me
away and, after a period of dependence, I reflected on what these three had in afterwards: “I have no experience with
people would manage their own affairs. common. Could they help me to put into disability, never spent time with disabled
Looking back, it all seems idealistic – words something to fight for? people – this makes me want to do it a
even naive – but this vision of the future lot more.”
provided inspiration and optimism. tracing the source Finally, they were fun, thought
While I’m sure that vision still inspires First, none sprang from service land. There provoking, emotional and exciting in ways
some, asserting rights can feel somewhat was not a psychiatrist, psychologist, that mainstream art events often are not.
hollow when there are no means of antipsychotic drug or support worker in So what does this say about what I
upholding them in the face of government sight. Those who funded, orchestrated and should be fighting for? To resist
indifference or outright hostility. So, inspired the events were not people with oppression, there are three broad
where else to look for inspiration? learning disabilities or experts in the field. strategies. One is to withdraw from
Reflecting the articles about the arts in All three were led by individuals passionate society into a separate culture, such as
the last issue of Community Living, it is in about art, music or theatre who have L’Arche or Steiner villages. These
the arts field where I’ve had my most found ways to share their passion with communities suit some people well, and
positive and exciting encounters this year. people with learning disabilities. show alternative ways of living, defying
The first was as examiner of a wonderful Second, all three gave “valued social pessimists and cynics and inspiring others.
PhD by Jade French (2018), a visiting roles” to those who took part. It is The second is integration into the world
research fellow at the University of Leeds. admirable to be a musician, perform in a as it is – broadly, the social inclusion
Her thesis was based on supporting five professional theatre or curate an art approach. It requires a person to change
learning disabled people to curate an art installation in a prestigious public gallery. to fit in as far as possible, to “pass” as
installation at Liverpool’s bluecoat Gallery The events took place in mainstream not normal and to adopt valued social roles. It
– an amazing process and achievement. segregated settings. is the most favoured current route –
consider the emphasis on paid
employment in Valuing People Now.
Finally, there is entering the world to
change it – the most difficult as the world
has to reconsider and adapt. The three
events show attempts to do this by
challenging what we think of as art and
who does it; they provoke us to think
differently about being an audience
member or indeed a performer, and what
it is to have a valued social role. Above all,
they celebrate diversity by making it real.
It would be a better world if such
experiences were common – and not just
for people with learning disabilities. That
has to be worth fighting for. n
electric Umbrella French J (2018) Art as Advocacy. Exploring
Curatorial Practice by Learning Disabled Artists
as a Tool for Self-Advocacy. www.fine-art.
leeds.ac.uk/people/jade-french/
Electric Umbrella involves a large, diverse group of people in its performances
www.cl-initiatives.co.uk Community Living Vol 31 No 4 | Summer 2018 27