Join us at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery for an exhibition visit, an insightful afternoon of talks, and a networking opportunity with sector peers – all focused around highlighting the vital contribution disabled people have made to our society, now and in the past.

Itinerary

12.30pm: Arrival and curator's introduction to Concealed/ Reveal followed by a self-guided visit around the exhibition.

2.15-4pm: Presentations by:

• The team behind Concealed/ Reveal: Disabled, D/deaf and neurodivergent artists driving creativity
• The National Trust on Everywhere and Nowhere: Exploring histories of disability across the National Trust in partnership with the University of Leicester
• South West Museums Development on Travelling Together: Museum Journeys Towards Inclusion and Collaboration

4-4.30pm: Q&A and networking

4.30pm: Event closes

Concelead/ Reveal

The Concealed/ Reveal exhibition showcases works of beauty and creativity by Disabled, D/deaf and neurodivergent artists, whether in sculpture, paint, or performance. Yet, too often the artists' stories remain hidden.

This exhibition challenges that. Featuring artists such as Henri Matisse, J. M. W. Turner and Sarah Biffin, and local stories, such as those of artist Anthony Rossiter and performer Patrick Cotter O’Brien, it highlights how disability can be a creative force and questions why the experiences are socially stigmatised.

It has been curated by Curatorial Fellows and produced with Curating for Change who work across England with a range of partners to deliver heritage, arts and research-based projects, providing opportunities for disabled people not only to participate, but to lead.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is one of 20 cultural organisations involved in Curating for Change, which is delivered by Screen South through its Accentuate Programme and is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Art Fund.

Everywhere and Nowhere

Is a collaborative research project between the National Trust and Research Centre for Museums and Galleries at the University of Leicester that explores little-known and previously untold histories of disability from across Trust sites and collections.

The project resulted in a pioneering film, co-created with artist Christopher Samuel and filmmakers Belle Vue Productions, that spotlights 10 of these stories and sets new standards in accessibility; and an ethical framework, made in consultation with an international steering group of disability experts, to help guide heritage and cultural practitioners through this type of work. Extracts from the film and the ethical framework will be showcased and explored, alongside highlighting some of the challenges we experienced in championing inclusive histories in the face of hostile attacks in the media.

Travelling Together

Is the South West Museums Development's big new investment into the skills, confidence, and aptitudes of our vibrant museum sector to help museums to reach a wider range of people.

This year-long project will take eight museums on a learning journey and support them to make changes needed to grow in accessibility and relevance for their communities. SWMD have recruited seven Champions who, as part of the project, will help to organise peer network meetings, as well as design supportive sessions for museums on accessibility, engagement and inclusive programming.

Tickets: £15 (General)/ £12 (Student/Unemployed)

Book soon on Eventbrite to avoid disappointment. We have a limited number of places available.