Shut up and enjoy the art.
Culture and creativity are Key Interests of mine. I love a gallery opening, checking out a newly released film and circling things in the Skinny Mag that I want to check out.
Glasgow has an awesome art scene. I could fill my life with photography, expression and keeping up with events.
Yet, I’m reflecting on how inaccessible it can be.
Let’s put costs aside – there are loads of great initiatives about widening access in the arts. And let’s also put physical disabilities aside – again there are many issues that need redressed here.
I’m concerned about being neurodivergent friendly.
Some theatres and cinemas offer ‘Autism friendly hours’ and galleries and shops can have ‘quiet time’. But I just don’t feel that is a solution. Being neurodivergent, organising to book and attend an event is challenging enough, let alone seeking out dedicated hours in which it is permitted to be different. Further, often these ‘special times’ are aimed at children.
Attending a ‘formal’ screening of something is ADHD-hell. Sitting still, in silence, scared to breathe… you can hear the tutting and eye rolling as you meet your own access needs, using a fidget toy, stretching and having a snack. You may argue that this behaviour is disruptive – maybe such problems should be contained to special times so as not to ruin everyone’s experience.
I just don’t buy it. The challenges involved with being disabled, which is recognised with a discounted price on a ticket, surely should gain us access into mainstream environments. Does the issue lie with the ‘severe disruption’ to art, or our unconscious bias of what makes for a Good Experience?
Scotland’s disabled arts scene has so many worthwhile offerings on the matter which can help us make positive change, such as training with Birds of Paradise, and the Scottish Neurodivergent Artists’ Network.
I’m fed up with silencing myself and leaving early. I want to engage fully, whenever I can, in an equal way to everyone else in society. I can’t schedule an off-switch to my inner-workings, so maybe art could explore shifting to be more accessible for all?
