The Williamson Art Gallery and Museum in Claughton, Birkenhead, is now showing ‘SmART, a learning disability collaboration Project’, which boasts beautiful and thoughtful art from over 25 artists with a learning disability from across the borough.
Four participating organisations; Wirral Evolutions, Royal Mencap Society, Autism Together and Wirral Mencap’s Crossbow Club set up the exhibition to give the artistic talents of local people with a learning disability a public platform. The work was created with support from professional artists, as part of the Gateway Awards Programme – the accessible partner of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The highlight of the exhibition, which is open to visitors for six weeks, is a giant people paper chain representing friendship and collaboration. It was created with input from all of the artists over a two day workshop facilitated by the Williamson’s artists in residence.
Georgina Davy, who led the workshop, said:
“It was an absolute pleasure. I personally took inspiration from the positive creative attitudes and pride and total commitment to the united task.”
The opening and private viewing was held last week and was attended by over 70 local people. During the evening participants were presented with certificates to mark completion of the Bronze Gateway Award.
Lizzie Carline, Projects Manager at Wirral Mencap, said:
“The event was a huge success, where art and collective achievement were top of the agenda rather than disability.”
The collaboration is supported by Royal Mencap Society’s Beacon Project. For more information please contact Wirral Mencap on 0151 666 1829 or email info@mencapwirral.org.uk. For more information on the Williamson Art Gallery please go to http://williamsonartgallery.org/.
