Learning disabled and autistic artists from across the UK to perform at a trailblazing creative arts festival

"People assume things about me that aren’t true. I want people to ask questions about my learning disability. I want people to understand." Confidance company member

Booking is now open for the I’m Me Festival, a free performing arts showcase and creative exploration which is the culmination of a two-year inclusive arts project from York St John University.

Led by the University’s Institute for Social Justice and in association with Mind the Gap, researchers partnered with six leading inclusive arts companies to explore experiences of identity, representation and voice. People with learning disabilities and / or autism work on the I’m Me project as researchers, artists, producers, writers, musicians and performers. The project uses the creative arts as a means of exploring and sharing lived experiences to make a difference in an accessible manner.

Now, for the first time, stories from this work will be told across theatre, dance and music performances, artworks and film. The I’m Me Festival takes place on Thursday 19 June and Friday 20 June in the York St John Creative Centre, York. Tickets are free and the event is open to all.

The Festival sees learning disabled and autistic artists taking centre stage, showcasing their stories, perspectives, and talents. This event not only celebrates creativity but also challenges perceptions around disability.

Audiences will be able to experience art without barriers as seven arts companies come together to present an inspiring programme:

• Safe as Houses from Open Theatre explores places of safety via physical theatre.
• HELD by Mind the Gap is a physical theatre performance which explores different ways in which we can be held, both positively and negatively.
• Me First by Lung Ha looks at the theme of voice, how to use it, and the barriers that someone might face when trying to make their voice heard.
• There will be music performances from Sparkle Sisterz from Under the Stars.
• About Face will exhibit artworks under the theme Small Worlds.
• Hijinx will take over the Creative Centre atrium with their work Silent Glimpses, Loud Truths.
• The performance from Confidance is called Give Me Space and uses dance to explore company members’ personal experiences of disability. As one company member says:  “I’m not given space. I’m not allowed to do things on my own... people assume things about me that aren’t true. I want people to ask questions about my learning disability. I want people to understand.”

Professor Matthew Reason, Director of the Institute for Social Justice at York St John University and Research Lead on I’m Me, said: “This Festival is the culmination of over two years research and creative exploration. Across this time there have been moments of humour, sadness, anger and inspiration, all of which will be present within the Festival. I’m Me is about telling and listening to stories and experiences that both recognise, and reach across, difference.”

Charli Ward, Creative Director at Mind the Gap, said: “Mind the Gap has been developing and nurturing a deep and rich partnership with York St John for the last 6 years and we are excited by the work that has been explored with through the I’m Me project. Projects like these support Mind the Gap’s principal commitment in creating opportunities for the voices of people with learning disabilities and autism to lead the way in the arts sector.”

The I’m Me Festival takes place on Thursday 19 June and Friday 20 June in the York St John Creative Centre, York

Find out more and reserve your free festival tickets via I'm Me Festival

Image credit: Brian Hartley