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Art exhibit at U of T Scarborough challenges visitors to view disability differently – University of Toronto

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A new exhibit at the University of Toronto Scarborough’s Doris McCarthy Gallery features artwork that hangs lower on the walls – a way to challenge the idea of “standard” height and make those using mobility devices feel seen.

“There’s something about seeing your own experience reflected in an artwork that can be validating,” says Cassandra Hartblay, co-curator of the exhibit, called #CripRitual, and assistant professor in the department of health and society. 

The exhibit explores the ways rituals impact disability culture through work from more than 20 artists. Each piece has a unique QR code that pulls up accessibility features when scanned, including American Sign Language translations and image and video descriptions. 

The exhibit’s title comes from a movement to reclaim the term “crip” – a shortened version of a slur for those with disabilities – and “crip theory,” a concept in disability studies that explores how societies define “normal” bodies. The exhibit’s curators also wanted to counter the cultural norm, or ritual, of associating disability with limitations. 

“We wanted to look at ritual and disability in a different way,” says Hartblay, who is also director of the Centre for Global Disability Studies. “Ritual is actually a way that folks in disability culture are sharing ideas, using the same symbols and passing on traditions.”

Those rituals fall into four categories: self-care, creating access, art-making and protest. Amid the exhibit, a bright blue bench reads “MUSEUM VISITS ARE HARD ON MY BODY,” highlighting ableism in art spaces without places to sit. One piece looks at how the Quran views disability while another examines living with mental illness as an Indigenous community member. 

Hartblay hopes attendees pick up some new terminology and recognize diversity in the disability community. Participants can also submit their own crip rituals and take resources on ways to bring people with disabilities into art spaces.

#CripRitual is running in two galleries, the Doris McCarthy Gallery and Tangled Art + Disability in downtown Toronto.

Unsure if pandemic restrictions would allow an in-person gallery, curators also built the exhibit an online presence. The site will now be an archive of #CripRitual’s artwork, accessibility features and participant feedback – one that will long outlive its physical galleries. 

“We’re imagining it as a longer-term project that will exist as a teaching tool,” Hartblay says.  

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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