There is something altogether more honest, warmhearted and open when an arts festival is run by disabled creatives for disabled acts. Whether it is built into the very bricks and mortar of The Ledger Studio at the University of Atypical, or in the assembled audience of D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists and supporters. It felt that the team had known each other for years. This brand new editor of a brand new disabled reviewing site, was made to feel like family within half an hour.
Hosted by Chief Executive Damien Coyle, who told a very poignant anecdote about how a young disabled creative felt that people had ‘low expectations’ of them (something we can all relate to), his response was to say ‘whatever you go and see at this festival, the work of each and every disabled, D/deaf and neurodiverse creative – go with the highest expectations, this curated work is of the highest quality!’
It was nice to see invited guests such as the ChIef Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Lord Mayor of Belfast who officially opened the festival; both of whom totally understood that they were being invited into a space that was 100% disabled led; they didn’t talk for us, or patronise us, they respected us.
The launch ended with a brilliant performance piece by Kids in Control; whose movement took in everything from Freddy Krueger to Queen’s We Will Rock You – very silly and very funny. A great way to kick off the festival’s tenth year.
