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D I ARY

1ARTABILITY' - A DIARY

This is an attempt to put down chronologically the events surroundingthe doomed Artability Conference which had been due to take place inManchester 22-24th, September, 1986.

Glossary.

Coalit ion = Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People;an organisation of disabled people whosemanagement committee and workers are alldisabled.

DPSG = Disabled Peoples Steering Group; this is a subcommittee of Manchester City Council's EqualOpportunities Committee. Its Members are alldelegates of disabled controlled organisationsin Manchester, and as a body it makes policyon disability issues which are then carried outby the Equal Opportunites (disabled) workersin the council's Equal Opportunities Unit.

BCODP = British Council of Organisations of DisabledPeople; both the Coalition and the DPSG aremembers of this national organisation whichbrings together all those organisations controlledby disabled people.

Artability » as well as the title of the conference this wasalso the name of the planning sub-committee ofthe Carnegie Council. The Council had been set upby the Carnegie Trust following the 'AttenboroughReport' on Arts and Disabled People, publishedafter a committee of enquiry, in 1985.

Numbers in brackets will refer to numbered documents.

(1) 18 Oct 1985; Artability Committee meets at Palace Theatre,Manchester. I don't whether this was the first meeting of thiscommittee. Of the 7 members listed, as far as I know none weredisabled. An outline of the proposed dates and timetable for theconference was attached to the agenda, so obviously some work hadgone into it already. Note that Manchester Council's representativewas to be Chair of Social Services Committee, not a disabledrepresentat ive.

(2) 13 Nov 1985: 2nd meeting at the Palace of the Artability Committee.This meeting decided on the title 'Artability', and included adisabled person (Chris Davis from the Spastics Society). Knowledgeof the accessibility of possible venues seems to be totally absent,and was left to 3 able bodied members of the committee to sort

out.

(3) 15 Dec 1985; Letter sent by Simon Goodenough, Chair of theArtability Committee, to Mary Elstow, one of the Equal Opportunities(Disabled) workers in the Equal Opportunities Unit. In line withCarnegie's policy of inviting individuals, the invitation to jointhe Committee is via personal recommendation and Mary's supposed'special interest'. It is clear that by now the whole outlineof the conference has already been decided and the committee is'mainly concerned with administrative matters'. Tragically Mary diedin a road accident a few days later.

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(4) 14 Jan 1986: Artability Committee meeting at the Palace.Minutes make it clear that the programme was by and large inits final format. Some of the workshops intend to invitedisabled people as leaders. A comment here from an internalmemo of a London based group is relevant here:-

' A colleague of mine at for example was ropedin to jointly run the seminar long afteran able bodied woman with no particular qualificationshad been invited to do it'.

Note also that a limit was to be set on the number of wheelchair

users going to the Gala Day and the conference as a whole.

(5) 5 Mar 1986: Artability Committee meeting at the Palace.Councillor Kath Robinson (Chair of Social Services, ManchesterCity Council) appears for the first time,(on what basis?).Note 'Health Through Arts' forum, suggested use of Eddie Shahfor publicity, display at Town Hall (Kath Robinson must be awareof its inaccessibility).

(6) 14 April 1986: Letter from Anne Pearson of Carnegie to CouncillorRobinson, Chair of Social Services. Again, usual tactics ofpersonal contacts to get things done. Also, letter (1st May)from one of the Equal Opportunities workers to Anne Pearsonsaying the issue would be raised at the May DPSG meeting.

(7) 29 April 1986: Town Clerks Memo informing various departmentsof Whitworth Art Gallery 'do' for 'Arts and People with Disabilities'Who approved this and why did it not go to the DPSG?

(8) 13 May 1986: Agenda and minutes of Artability Committee meeting(a)(b) at the Palace Theatre. For the first time an Equal Opportunities

worker (one of the admin workers, not disabled), and a member ofthe Coalition attended as observers. It is important to stressthis as neither group had taken any decision on their attitude toArtability, though their suspicions had been raised by commentsfrom London based disabled controlled groups informally. Noticethe obsession on trying to get as many 'celebrities' to attendas possible.Concern expressed about getting HRH Prince Charles to attend. Firstmention of 'incendiary speeches' from plants in the audience.Maximum of 30-40 wheelchairs at Palace (see access report, item 18).Funding from City Council now agreed for Whitworth 'do' ( whodecided?) and free hire of Wythenshawe Forum. Idea of 'Arts forHealth' competition mooted by North West Regional Health Authority.

(9) 14 May 1986: DPSG meeting, doubts about the conference wereforcibly expressed. It was a close run thing whether to boycottthe conference there and then, but eventually decided for Chairto meet with Artability and recommend further action - certainlynot to join the Artability Committee as a representative.

(10) 17 May 1986: BCODP meeting in London; Artability discussed atthis meeting. Manchester's Coalition delegates were convincedthat a decision was reached to 'Boycott and picket this conference'(later disputed by the Chair).

(11) 6 June 1986: Coalition meeting; this meeting agreed to opposethe Artabiiity conference, based on the BCODP report and thereport back from the member who attended the May 13th Artabilitymeet ing.

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(12) 18 June 1986: letter from chair's of Coalition and DPSG toBCODP making it clear that in no way were either organisationsupporting or involved in the Artability Committee.

(**) 20 June 1986: Meeting between 4 members of the ArtabilityCommittee and 4 from the Coalition and DPSG. I think this was

originally to have been another meeting of the ArtabilityCommittee at the Palace, but at our request it was transferredto the Coalition offices. This was really the crunch meetingwhere two very different points of view clashed head on for thefirst time.

Artability have produced minutes of this meeting but as theseare disputed and need to be checked in line with our tape recording of the meeting, they are not attached. At the meetingthe arguments against the way the conference was being organisedwere put forward and Artability put their views forward. Whatdid become clear was that the gala night at the Palace was indanger of being cancelled, not because of the access problems,but because not enough celebrities had agreed to come.No agreement was reached by the end of the meeting.

(**) 24 June 1986: Rachel Hirst, Chair of BCODP attended the CarnegieCouncil meeting as an observer. From her verbal report on thismeeting she was obviously given a rough ride and said that it wasup to the Manchester groups and BCODP to make their own decisionsabout Artability.

(**) 25 June 1986: Phone call to me at work from Geoffrey Lord, Sec.to the Carnegie Trust. This lasted for over 1/2 hour, and wasfairly typical of a series of calls received by myself and KenLumb (Chair of the Coalition) over this period. I made notes ofthis call by the end of which I feltpummeIled since he made itclear that if there was any controversy in Manchester then "Trusts,Companies and Foundations will back away" and it would " affecta big fund for increasing access to theatres etc. from theGovernment". Also a £50m Department of Education Support Grantwould be threatened. To think that a few of us handing outleaflets on a wet September evening could have such an effect!

What was also clear from this phone call was that the wholebasis of the way Carnegie operates was in terms of 'by invitation'membership of committees, with the emphasis on eminent persons.For example, he mooted the ideas of a post-Artability committeeto be headed by Brian Rix who was soon to retire from Mencap.

(13) 30 June 1986: Letter sent by Geoffrey Lord to both the Coalitionand the DPSG. In this he offers to not use the Palace - not

because of its bad access, but as a bargaining counter for us towithdraw our opposition. There was also a carrot of some freetickets for the big do!

(14) I July 1986: Letter from Chris Davis, the only disabled memberof the Artability Committee, arguing that we should support it.The counter arguments to this are summarised in Item (16).

(15) 2 July 1986: DPSG meeting; after a long discussion aboutArtability, a motion was passed unanimously condemning the waythe conference had been organised and calling on the City Councilto withdraw its support for the conference.

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(16) 4 July 1986: Coalition meeting; a similar motion againstArtability was passed. This motion is included in the excerptfrom the article appearing in the next Coalition newsletter.

(17) 12 July 1986: BCODP Council meeting, held in Manchester.Again another long discussion about Artability, and a motionopposing it was passed with all delegates in favour exceptone abstent ion.

(18) 16 July 1986: Equal Opportunities Committee, Manchester CityCouncil; This committee fully supported the DPSG as can be seenfrom the motion, and also added condemnation of the pressurethat had been put on disabled people to withdraw their opposition.This was thanks to the support of a councillor, Sheila Robertsonwho was a negular attender of the DPSG and aware of all theissues involved. Unfortunately she was unable to attend the fullcouncil meeting a few days later.At this full City Council meeting a heated discussion took placein which Kath Robinson persuaded the Council to reject the EqualOpportunities motion.

(19) 17 July 1986: Letter from Fairplay to Ken Lumb agreeing with thecriticisms of Artabiiity, but suggesting that BCODP try to"renegotiate the agenda" of the conference. This was received afterthe announcement of the cancellation of the Artability conference.Ken Lumb has subsequetnly replied saying that the Coalition is quitewilling to meet to discuss ways forward after we pick up the piecesof recent events.

(20) 18 July 1986: Carnegie announce they are cancelling the Artabilityconference and try to lay the blame on the Coalition and BCODP.They claimed falsely, that we threatened 'unsprcified action' - theonly fairly certain thing would have been a picket of any inaccessiblvenues, but they had already agreed not to use the Palace. Theyhad also claimed that we were unwilling to meet them. Consideringthe actual meeting we had and subsequent phone calls this is absurd.In fact we are still willing to talk to them. Of the many phonecalls we have received subsequently, one suggestion that certainlycould be followed up is to hold a seminar in Manchester during thetime that Artability would have been held, to discuss some of theissues contained in the whole episode.

(21) 22 July 1986: BCODP press release welcoming the cancellationof Artability.

(**) 5 Aug 1986: DPSG meeting; it was agreed at this meeting toorganise a national seminar in Manchester to discuss the Artabilitydebacle and ways forward, preferably in the period of the Artabilityconference, but later if this proved impossible to organise insuch a short t ime.

(22) Palace Theatre Access Survey; report of the City Architectconcerning access in the Palace Theatre for the forthcomingArtability conference done on 11 July 1986.

Bernard Leach 5 Aug. 1986

0To all renters of the Conference 1986 Planning Sub-OcmiiLttee

Alan CourtneySimon GoodenoughGordon InfieldDaphne KennardPeter Senior

Denis CoeJohn Evans

AGENDA FOR MEETING AT PALACE THEATRE OFFICES, BRIDGEWATER BOOSE,_(2nd floor)', WSTHORTH STREET, MANCHESTERFRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 1985 11.30am

1 Ccnmittee members - further suggestions

2 Outlining the aims of the Conference

a) To review the impact of the Committee of Inquiry -progress made since publication of Report and futuredevelopment

b) To provide a stage for individual artists, arts organisationsto display their work and to exchange ideas

3 Content of Conference (see suggestions as outlined on attachedsheet)

a) Topics for discussion

b) Timetable

c) Perfoirmers/practitioners

d) Special events (evening entertainment)

4 Publicity and other events in the 1986 Calendar

5 Delegates, speakers, and special guests

6 Budget, subsidies, sponsorship

7 Venue/Aa:cni-odation/Administration

8 Provision for disabled delegates

9 Any Other Business

10 Dates of future meetings

Suggested timetable of Conference - for discussion on 18 Cctober

Monday 22 September

11 am Registration

11.30 Keynote speeches First welcome by Sir Richard AttenboroughFollowed by explanatory talk about the

structure of the Conference

12.30 - 2.15 LUNCH

2.15 - 3.30 TOPIC 1

(Each topic to be a series of speakers interspersedwith practical demonstrations and discussions)

3.30 - 4.00 TEA

4.00 - 5.15 TOPIC 2

5.15 - 6.30 4? workshops Each workshop should be linked withone of the topics

EVENING Perhaps reception at Hospital?

TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER----- •

9.00 - 10.00 Report back from workshops

10.00 - 11.00 TOPIC 3

11.00 - 11.30 COFFEE

11.30 - 1.00 TOPIC 4

1.00 - 2.15 LUNCH

2.15 - 3.30 TOPIC 5

3.30 - 4.00 TEA

4.00 - 5.15 TOPIC 6

5.15 - 6.15 Mere workshops

EVENING An event Theatre?

WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

9.00 - 10.00 Report back from workshops

10 - 11.00 TOPIC 7

11.00 - 11.30 COFFEE

11.30 - 1.00 TOPIC 8

1.00 - 2.00 LUNCH

2.00 - 3.45 Open Session, Discussion feedback

3.45 - 4.15 TEA

4.15 - 5.00 Closing speech

EVENING Dinner

SUGGESTED TOPICS

1 Examples of Good Practice

2 Participation and Employment

3 Arts Therapies

4 Access

5 Legislation

6 Television and radio

7 Technological Developments

8 Transport

QCONFERENCE SUB-COMMITTEE MEETINGFRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 1985

Present

Simon Goodenough (Chairman)Gordon Infield (Secretary)Bob ScottElizabeth EastPeter SeniorAlan CourtneyAnne Pearson

Apologies

Denis CoeJohn Evans

Rod FisherDaphne Kennard

Suggested MembersDuncan Watson ~ - Lawyer, Chair of RNTBKath Robinson - Manchester City Council

Jo Chris Davies - Member of Fairplay, Campaign for EqualLty in-v- y" the Arts

Minutes

AIMS Those present discussed the aims of the Conference andits overall shape. It was agreed that the Conferencewould aim at three things:

a) to review critically the impact of the AttenboroughReport and the achievements of the Carnegie Council

b) to provide an opportunity for celebration and analysisof the work of disabled people in the arts and the workof artists with disabled people and to enablethose in the field to exchange ideas

c) to look to the future; chart the way ahead in terms ofaccess, participation, equal opportunities, etc.

DELEGATES

There was lengthy discussion about who we hope will attendthe Conference. Given the nature of the Report, they shouldcome frcm a wide range of individuals, able-bodied anddisabled from voluntary and statutory bodies, from governmentdepartments and local authorities, from arts and from disabilityorganisations. We could be fairly sure of attracting"the converted" ie, the representatives of disabilityorganisations, disabled artists and those who work withthem, but we recognised that we have an obligation tospread the net wider than that. We should also attractthe policy makers; senior civil servants, local authorityleisure and recreation officers, representatives of regionalhealth authorities, fire officers, industry and funders, etc.(It was estimated that 60-70 delegates approx might be disabled)

OJ^

The meeting concluded that the latter category might noteasily be enticed to a 3-day conference.

PROGRAMME

Bob Scott therefore proposed a one-day event, incorporatedwithin 3 days. This should be held in the Palace Theatrewhich could hold 2,000 people. (Apprax 900 stalls, 600 circleand 500 gallery). This would be on any of the three daysdepending on the availability of Sir Richard. It could be aset piece production of keynote speeches by Sir Richard?Sir Kenneth?, the Minister for the Arts and the Ministerfor the Disabled.Interspersed with their short speeches should be dance, drama,music by notable disabled artists/groups. There should alsobe stage-managed speeches form the floor. The Prince of Walesshould be asked to open this one-day event and it is possiblethat international guest speakers will be invited.

We hope that there will be a large take-up for such a day,attracting many administrators who would not otherwiseattend. A flat rate for the day could help to subsidisethe 3-day conference.

We all agreed the importance of clearly linking the themesof this big day with those of the sessions and workshops ofthe other 2 working days which would take place at Owens Parkwith a maximum attendance of 300.

The topics were revised as follows:

1 Arts Therapies

Access (to include Transport)

Training and Education

Partic ipation

Employment

Dealing with Bureaucracies (Each topic to includeaspects of legislation where appropriate)

A further topic which might be a workshop was'Disablement and the media'.

Each topic could be chaired and put together by a namedindividual who would decide the format and choose otherspeakers. The main task of our next meeting will be todecide how these topics can be shared out over two remainingdays.

I

DISPLAYS

It was agreed that groups such as SHAPE, Interlink, HealthService, Mencap, Gateway, etc, should be asked to put ondisplays.

APPROXIMATE REGISTRATION COSTS

Full day conference only - £20

Three day conference (Mon Lunch - Thurs breakfast)

Accom and food only" " " incl Formal

Dinner at Owens Park

Standing Costs

Total without dinner

with dinner

£65.55

£81.69

£20 p/person

£92

£105

Speakers would not be paid an honorarium but would receivetravel and accommodation expenses.

SITE VISIT TO OWENS PARK HALL OF RESIDENCE AND MEETING WITH MR KEATING

Alan CourtneyElizabeth EastSimon GoodenoughGordon Infield

Anne Pearson

Generally the accommodation was good.

Sleeping arrangements

adequate for able-bodied and disabled people

Dining facilities

Tree Court Dining Room - seats up to 180Main Dining Room - without extension seats up to 200

extended into foyer seats up to 300

Cafeteria style catering is suggested with table service fortne ^disabled. ^Lunch could be in two venues if necessary.

^6? high class bedrooms for VIPs at no extra cost, ^ J

Seminar rooms (Little Court Dining Room) /

One large seminar room seating approx 300

Small Conference rooms (Common rooms and TV rooms)

Four small rooms to seat approx 50 - all accessible to thedisabled, and all with exits not through adjoining rooms.

Registration

In the foyer

Displays

A few could be displayed in the area close to the seminar roomor in one or two of the seminar rooms.

Assembly Hall

Large seminar room on first floor. Seats up to 600, but notsuitable for disabled as access is via stairs.

QUALIFICATIONS

1 At the moment no induction loop, but Owens Park canprovide them

2 Not a recommended venue for an evening dinner

3 Special coaches would be needed to get people intocentre of town (10 minutes)

EVENING ARRANGEMENTS

These were discussed and the following ideas suggested.We have three evenings to fill:

a) Our evening dinner was seen as an important elementfor one evening (not at Ctoens Park)

b) a civic reception

c) a reception in a public or perhaps better, in theWhitworth Art Gallery

d) an night out on the town. It was felt importantthat there should be some built-in arts activitiesto give some people more to do that just eat and drink.

We may possibly combine some of thse events or we may want to expandone or two.

NEXT MEETING

Wednesday 13 November at the Palace Theatre, Manchester(See agenda).

CARNEGIE COUNCIL ^rfSSS^SArts and Disabled People Prinet£JSS«fSS

London NW1 4RS

Administrator: Anne PearsonTelephone: 01-386 0383

CONFERENCE 1986 SUB-COMMITTEE

Date: Wednesday 13 November

Venue; Palace Theatre Offices, Whitworth Street, Manchester

Time: 11,30 am Till we have finished mid afternoon?

AGENDA

1 Apologies

2 Minutes

3 Matters Arising

4 Financial Matters: Alan Courtney to report

5 Conference Programme: a) the one day eventb) the other 2 days

6 Evening events

7 Local contacts

8 Owens Park accomodation

9 Elizabeth's Office facilities

10 Any Other Business

LUNCH WILL AGAIN BE KINDLY PROVIDED BY THE PALACE THEATRE

AT A COST OF £2.50.

Chairman: Sir Kenneth Robinson Vice Chairman: Robert ScottSecretary: Geoffrey Lord

Patron: Sir Richard Attenboroughin association with the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust, Dunfermline, Fife.

CONFERENCE SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING

DATE 11 am WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 1985

VENUE PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER

PRESENT Siiron Goodenough (Chairman)Bob Scott

Peter SeniorAnne Pearson

Alan CourtneyGordon InfieldElizabeth East

Chris Davies with Philip HarrisAlan Howard

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME AND COSTS

Alan Courtney presented the provisional conference programme andcostings

Delegates will stay at Owens Park Hall of Residence. A Civic Receptionwill take place at a venue yet to be selected - possibly the Town Hall.There will also be an evening event at a local hospital.Peter Senior, Elizabeth and Anne will visit possible venues and decideearly in the New Year.

There was some discussion about the need to take into account indevising menus the kinds of foods suitable for some disabledpeople.

Estimated cost £80 - basic (for 4 nights)+ £15 (?) for dinner

For the one day conference the price would be £15 per head.

Chris Davies said that Owens Park Hall of Residence should be checkedby a local member of the Spastics Society to make sure of it'saccessibility.

VIDEO FILM

It was agreed that video filming the Conference would be a very usefulexercise and the edited f ilm could be used for promotional /educationalpurposes subsequently.

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Vy "-^v-*0 3 Training (including Education)^

.^\

J >

EVENING EVENTS

There was lively but inconclusive discussion about the nature andlocation of the evening events. Peter Senior and Elizabeth Eastwill pursue local contacts and report at next meeting. The feelingof the meeting was that a Conference dinner was not required butreceptions, at which musical and dramatic presentations could takeplace, would be better. Access was a major problem. There werelots of exciting places to visit, eg, the Cornerhouse, but they wouldnot be big enough for upwards of 30 wheelchair users. The Town Hallis just about accessible. Elizabeth will follow up the practicalityof using the Great Hall there.

TITLE AND CONTENT OF CONFERENCE

The title 'ARTABILITY '86' was suggested by Philip Harris and wasgreeted with enthusiasm by everyone. A sub-title would be"Exploring the future for the Arts and people with disabilities".

The breakdown of subject matter and the precise format of topics/workshops was not so satisfactorily concluded. It is a complexproblem and will probably have to be decided at a small meetingcalled for the purpose of thrashing it out. For the moment weneeded only to establish the topic subjects. They were revisedas follows:

1 The Arts as Therapy

2 Access and Facilities

4 Participation in the arts and the mediaI

5 Employment

6 Influencing 'Decision-Makers'

Simon Goodenough will write to the suggested chairpersons and askthem if they will take on the task of co-ordinating the topic.

CONFERENCE OFFICE

Anne will continue to act as unofficial co-ordinator of theConference until 6 January when Elizabeth East will take over.She will be based in the Carnegie Council office at Nuffield Lodge.(Same number as Anne).

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SPONSORSHIP

The necessity of acquiring generous sponsorship was recognised.Bob Scott strongly reccmmanded that we approach the Granada Foundation.The Secretary is Christopher Kerr, Granada TV, Quey Street,Manchester 3.

Jeremy Issacs of Channel 4 was suggested; various other individualsand organisations were mooted including Robert Maxwell.

Sponsorship and other financial matters would be discussed at aspecial meeting at Nuffield lodge to be held on 16 December.Any ideas about funding should be sent to Anne Pearson in time forthat meeting.

The next full meeting of the Conference Sub-Ccnrnittee will be heldon Tuesday IT January again in Manchester. Agendas will be sent outin the New Year.

I

•fl ••J.-

Mary Elstow,Equal Opportunitiea Dept.. tromt Glebe House,Manchester Town Hall, Crediton,Albert Square, Devon 2X1? 2afMANCHESTER

15th Dec. 1985

Dear Mary Elstow,

Your name has come to me through FetAr» <?«-,<*•. -* +u „Hospitals • Arts Project andHafel EJ'.S^Mh-Wee?%hS2h,?t2rI've got your address rlghti it was riven tf, h^p' X hop*phone. Am I right in thinking that hf or H«.T%5? ??ter °Ver *?•to you that we^have aemaU^oaSittel. chaired oy8»?sel? 'tHlin^

We are hoping'to'calA^ c^Jer;n?et9oie?h^r?Uer0^?£??t/.86.soUWee^!3dbfeno^ousf^ale^i^f^^^t1" W fl«ld" "~ESt^/S" ?°"ent we "" oainly concerned with administrative

In fact, Anne and I will be in Manchester on Sapiaiibrnth th« h_wbefore our next meeting, as well as the [^{J a^oa^rl3tn» the day

I look forward very much to meeting you.Yours sincerely,

Simon Goodenough

QCARNEGIE COUNCIL (c^SJJJgArts and Disabled People """Regents Park

London NW14RS

Administrator: Anne Pearson _ , . ., eo, _,„,Telephone: 01-586 0383

CONFERENCE 1986 SUB-OCMMTTTEE

Date; Tuesday 14 January

Venue; Palace Theatre Offices, Whitworth Street, Manchester

Time; 11.30 am

AGENDA

1 Report on title - Artability '86

2 Gala Day - Sir Richard Attenborough et al

3 Costs and Subsidies and Fundraising

4 The Two Evenings 22nd and 23rd September - links withCity Council

5 Any other displays, exhibitions and video

6 The Topics

7 The Programme

8 Timetable of mailings

9 Invitees

10 Any Other Business

in

Chairman: Sir Kenneth Robinson Vice Chairman: Robert ScottSecretary: Geoffrey Lord

Patron: Sir Richard Attenboroughassociation with the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust, Dunfermline, Fife.

&.CCMFERENCE SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING - AOTABUJTY

DATE Ham TUESDAY 14 JANUARY 1986

VENUE PALACE THEATRE MNXHBSTER

PRESENT Simon Goodenough (Chairman)' Bob Scott

Peter SeniorAnne PearsonAlan CourtneyGordon InfieldElizabeth EastChris Davies with Jennifer IrelandAlan HowardRod FisherJohn Evans

Apologies: Daphne Kennard, Denis Coe

fl» neettng was sai to learn of the i^0^*^ t^oept

to the Dept for another representative.

CONFERENCE TITLE r^oaA «-hafr the title ARPABILITY shouldAfter further discussions it was agreed that 5°® ]?tieJr™^ „,,*,be acclp^d^ithlhe subtitle 'The way ahead for the Arts and people withdisabilities'

Alan Howard showed the revised logo, which was uriani-ously accepted.It waTag^ tnaTSere should not be a3-coloured version.

Alan Howard was asked to prepare notepaper heading, press releasepaper and finished artwork by January 22nd.

""SB chairman confirmed that Sir Richard Attenborough had agreed to^^^5 S^nlerence, and could therefore be FJJ-f ««»fr?„ ql- Richard will approach HRH Prince Charles and if he is*£ SYte !^t£fu Sott^Sl Lnform the lord Lieutenant.

It was agreed that the Ministers for the Arts and for the Disabled«hn»id_T_nvi^toattend the conference, with the suggestion ttet

for the Arts at a meeting on January 22nd.

It was agreed that the Gala Day should start at 2pn { lasting aboutx_^hrJ\ to aive those delegates booked into Owens Park time ^ register

Syl^ibition which may be held at the Cornerhouse.

It was agreed to limit the number of wheelchair users attendingthe Gala Day, in addition to those who are attending the wholeconference. 6

After lengthy discussions the Gala Day fee was agreed at £10.

Bob Scott will have further discussions with members of the Catmitteeon January 22nd over possible performers.

MAILING (distribution target 10,000)

1) End of FebruaryFirst mailing 4 page A4 folded with separate booking form and

and reply paid envelope. Copy required by 31 January. 100 words frcmeach topic organiser describing their session.

2) End of April . , • - - ,—Second mailing 8 page A5 prospectus with booking form and reply

paid envelope. Copy required by 31 March. Names of all speakers,performers etc. where known.

Mailing lists were being compiled. The Arts Council will include theleaflets in their mailing of 5,000 to subsidised theatres, Art Centres,and local authorities. It was suggested that the DHSS should be askedto supply lists of Regional Health Authorities and Social Service Depts.

The Carnegie Council will provide a list of advertising outlets inappropriate magazines for disabled groups.

It was agreed that it was important to involve local disabilitygroups and to keep them informed of the conference.

TOPICSA~suggestion was put forward by Rod Fisher that the role of the arts

providers was not clearly indicated in any of the topic titles, and thatit warranted a title of its own - it had been hoped that this wouldhave been covered in Participation in the Arts. It was decided thereforto take out CHANGING PUBLIC ATTITUDES and to make a new title THE ROLEOF THE ARTS PROVIDERS, including employment, and for the media to becovered by the topic INFLUENCING DECISION MAKERS.

The titles and suggested organisers were agreed:

ARTS AS THERAPY JOHN W^

ACCESS AND FACILITIES JOHN D0BINS0N

PARTICIPATION IN THE ARTS PETER SENIOR

INFLUENCING DECISION MAKERS SEONA REID(incl. the media)

TRAINING AND EDUCATION DENIS COE

THE ROLE OF THE ARTS PROVIDERS NICKI GAVRDN(incl. employment)

RECEPTIONS ,wn-mn- Cath Robinson, Elizabeth EastFoTIowing a meeting with 0w*^t^SJe venues:Surcn Oxxlencugh and Anne Pearson Visited g-J^JS large, dirty andwythenshaw Forum - although at tirse £sn«s excellentrQ2Smperscnal, it ^J^.^_^^eSption In the foyer

for wheelchairs, and J^/"^J^J a show in the Hall.

^^^.1.rt^^SMKBs r^da?Owens Park.

OTTHENSHAWE HALL _ Not visited as its capacity was 130 max

no disabled lavatory, but it might be POMUJ}^»™adapted by September - alternatively a portaloo mightbe used.

small.

rglS?-dLSS'.^S?» steps I, a»11 Uft, ta*^five minutes per person.

» _. ^reed that Councillor ^^t^ery^the^'rcrCouncil would «»«-»"9^ *^^f^Athe W- to see ifthe Civic Reception, and to asK ix sne v*juj.vj "t-i~- .^jtht ca£any provisionally booked could alter the date of theirconference.

FyHIBITIONS AND DISPLAYS, n^tina with Hazel RoyElizabeth East and Anne Pearson had had a meeting wixn na*e i

SoSdS provided and header boards incorporating the logo.It was also noted that an exhibition could be put in the foyer

of the Town Hall, prior to and during the conference.

CORNERHOUSE ART GALLERY Director of the Cornerhouse,BotTSoott had mentioned to *»££»» *£*££ ^e artists with

____ffiSfeSS£r--ws sa.should liaise with John Evans.

VIDEO

Chris Davies and Jennifer Ireland were still enthusiastic aboutvideoing the topic days. One or two members of the Committee were inagreement, and it was suggested that Chris should prepare a note withcostings, possible audiences, feasibility, etc. The video would last aboutone hour, or 50 mins excl. adverts with a view to having it screened on TV.

FUND RAISING

It was noted that Geoffrey Lord was preparing draft letters topossible fund raisers. Simon Goodenough had approached Granada, who hadexpressed interest. The Arts Council may also assist, in particularwith helping cover the expenses of the performing groups.

FEES FOR PERFORMERS

It was suggested at this stage, that the groups performing on theRegional Health Authority evening should be paid a fee and expenses.Performers on the Gala Day should be paid expenses only.

DELEGATES FEES

Lunchtime Monday teatime Wednesday (incl. accomodation)£65

£40 receivers of benefits

Lunchtime Monday teatime Wednesday (excl. accomodation)£40

£20 receivers of benefits

Gala Day only (no lunch)£10

Date of next meeting 5th March at 11am in the Circle Bar of the PalaceTheatre, Manchester

®

THEWAYAHEAD FOR THE ARTS&PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES •MANCHESTER 22-24 SEPT 1986

Conference Co-ordinator: Elizabeth EastConference Administrator: Alan Courtney

Nuffield LodgeRegent's ParkLondon NW1 4RS

Tel: 01-586 0383

Conference Committee Chairman: Simon GoodenoughUnder the auspices of the Carnegie Council for Arts and Disabled People

Chairman: Sir Kenneth Robinson, Vice Chairman: Robert Scott, Secretary: Geoffrey Lord, Patron: Sir Richard Attenborough

TexT & B

THE PALACE THEATREAND

OWEN'S PARK HALL OF RESIDENCE, DNIVERSITT OF llANCHESTER

llANCHESTER, 22nd-24th SEPTEMBER 1986

Arranged by the Carnegie Council for the Artsand Disabled People

ARTABILITY takes a positive approach to people and the arts:

- it provides an opportunity for artists and crafts peopleexperiencing a disability to demonstrate their work

- it brings together many people with key roles in the provisionof facilities and in the shaping of attitudes to consider examplesof, and arguments for, the practice of the arts and crafts intheir widest sense

ARTABILITY stimulates discussion of the way forward. It debates what thefollowing professionals can do and how they might do it:

- arts providers, to improve arts opportunities- health authorities, to complement health care- leisure and recreation, social services - to develop training and

community services

- medical profession, to recognise the worth of the arts intreatment

- educationalists, to enhance provision for all pupils- therapists, to relate their use of the arts to the general

context

- arts administrators, to improve access and facilities- fire and safety officers, to remove misguided restrictions- funders, to create better resources

- central government policy makers, to legislate for positivechange

- the media, to be representative of all people in society

ARTABILITY is concerned with recognising in each other what we can do,

rather than judging each other by what we cannot do. It is aboutsocial as well as artistic values. It is concerned practically

with a fundamental change in attitudes.

ARTABILITY is a major event in the work of the Carnegie Council for theArts and Disabled People. The Council was set up last year to

help fulfil the recommendations of the Attenborough Report.

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME

MONDAY 22nd 8BPTBMBER

&AM REGISTRATION at Owen's Park for those delegates attending

all three days

PM ARTABILITY - PRESENT AND FUTURE

The Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester

The Attenborough Report charted the way forward. Thisafternoon we review progress, air anzieties, enjoy the work oftalented artists and listen to keynote speakers. Our Patron,Sir Richard Attenborough will attend and we have invited theMinister for the Arts and the Director of the Arts Council forGreat Britain.

Performances by artistes or artistic groups Include:-Frankie Armstrong

(Folksinger)Ian Dury (subject to availability)(Performer and songwriter)

Tony Gerrard(Britain's No. 1 sit-down comedian)

Graeae Theatre Company(Britain's only professional theatre company ofperformers with disabilities)

Special Jam Band(a group who perform a range of music fromclassical to pop including their own compositions)

THIS SIGNIFICANT AFTERNOON OF SPEECHES AND PERFORMANCES ISESPECIALLY AIMED AT POLICY MAKERS IN CENTRAL AND LOCALGOVERNMENT, SOCIAL SERVICES, LEISURE AND RECREATION, EDUCATION;FUNDERS - VOLUNTARY AND STATUTORY; ARTS ADMINISTRATORS, ARTISTSAND ARCHITECTS; HEALTH AUTHORITIES, THE MEDICAL PROFESSION ANDTHERAPISTS; FIRE AND SAFETY OFFICERS; THE MEDIA AND OTHERS WHOSEWORK AFFECTS THE PARTICIPATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE IN THE ARTS.

Bvening - for delegates registered for all three days of theconference

Buffet supper with musical accompaniment at the Whitworth ArtGallery hosted by Manchester City Council (provisional).

TUESDAY 23rd 8EPTEMBEB

Owen's Park Hall of Residence, University of Manchester

(Each topic session will last approx ljhrs. Swopshops andVisual Arts and Crafts, Dra»a, Dance and Music Workshops willrun concurrently)

TodIc session - THE Pftl.R OP ARTS PB0VIDBR8PArrlngeS by - Rod Fisher, Information Officer, The ArtsCouncil of Great Britain

Arts providers are increasingly being encouraged todemonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of people withdisabilities and so to redress years of neglect. The ArtsCouncil Code of Practice is an important development in thisprocess. In this session, speakers from a cross-section oforganisations in the performing arts and visual arts willdescribe initiatives/projects they have undertaken to improveopportunities for people with disabilities to have access to thearts experience. These will include the arrangement of signinterpreted performances, the organization of 'touchexhibitions and the provision of workshops and outreach work.

Topic session - PARTICIPATION IH THE ARTSArranged by - Peter Senior, Director, Manchester Hospitals

Arts Project

The arts are for everyone. Over the ages they have been thefield for some of the finest achievements of the human spirit.It is within everyone's capacity to reinterpret their ownexperience, to share the experience of others by involvement inthe world of art, extending the area of human understanding.

Sustained artistic endeavour with others can lead to a senseof community - hidden talents may be developed giving aheightened sense of identity and worth. There is pleasure inparticipation and observation of the arts.

In this session participants will share their own experiencesand ideas.

Topic session - ACCESS AND FACILITIESArranged by John Dobinson, Director, Access Committee for

England

This session will attempt to explore the fundamentalimportance of physical access and suitable facilities inensuring that people with physical or sensory disabilities areable to participate fully in the arts, either as performers,or as part of an audience. The central thrust of the sessionwill be to argue that disabled people are not special peoplewith special problems, but are ordinary people who happen tobe disabled. The consequences of this philosophy for policywill be thoroughly examined. Difficulties of physical accesswill be faced together with the further restrictions that areoften imposed in the name of safety.

Bvenlng - HEALTH THROUGH THE ARTSThe Forum, Wythenshawe Civic Centre

©Hosted by the Manchester Hospitals Arts Project, the North WestRegional Health Authority Department of Prevention Services andManchester City Council Social Services. An evening of displayand demonstrations of the performing arts to show how the artsare being used in Manchester to complement health care andhealth promotion.

WEDNESDAY 24th 8BPTBMBBR

Owen's Park Hall of Residence, University of Manchester

Topic session - EDUCATION AND TRAININGArranged by - Denis Coe, Arts Development Officer,

Cleveland Arts

The practical issues involved in improving the level of artsprovision for people with disabilities in schools and collegeswill be examined. There will be an opportunity to discuss howfar educational establishments have either the facilities orthe trained staff to help children and young people withdisabilities to enjoy the arts and to achieve a measure ofself development through the Arts.

It will also consider the further education and trainingopportunities for young people who wish to follow a career inthe Arts. Examples of good practice will be given during thesession.

Topic session - THB ART8 AS THERAPYArranged by - John Evans, Head, Division of Arts and

Psychology, Hertfordshire College of Art and Design.

The question of the general therapeutic value of the arts andthe more specific use of art within a formal therapeuticcontext is one that continually needs clarification. Thissession will address the issues raised by this question,considering the need to establish clear professional boundariesand good open relations between artists and arts therapists.This is particularly necessary when the context of health careis becoming more diffuse through the development of communitycare. These issues will be further elaborated through a choiceof demonstration workshops run by leading art, music, drama anddance therapists.

TOPlYrrang°ed b/™"^"llffff°« ArtsUne andjfcsjssisrs'-isi's r/tsune

The reality from the disabled person's point of view is bad:permissive legislation and good intentions are clearly notenough.

llfeDi8TSeeprocesse:? S^iSi^^^^^^di«bilit; ne.ps"revent them ^om presenting aunited frontand thus achieving change by political means.

At the heart of the matter lies the question of entrenchedpubUc -tmSSes. T-e arts, broadly defined and the media are inSSrivaUe. positions to influence and change public opinion.This session examines the issues raised here and it is hopedprovide some provocative answers.

Final keynote session - WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERB?

PEB80NNEL

Contoronce co__iittee ChairmanSimon GoodenoughCarnegie CouncilNuffield LodgeRegent's ParkLondon NW1 4RS

(Tel. 01 586 0383)

Conference Co-ordinator (Programme)Miss Elizabeth East

Carnegie CouncilNuffield LodgeRegent's ParkLondon NW1 4RS(Tel. 01 586 0383)

Conference Organiser (Accommodation and bookings)Alan Courtney33 Lansdowne RoadWorcester

(Tel. 0905 22653)

ACCOMMODATION

COST

BOOKING

©

The Carnegie Council was established by the Carnegie UnitedKingdom Trust to develop the recommendations of the Committee ofInquiry into the Arts and Disabled People chaired by Sir RichardAttenborough, who is now Patron of the Council.

Chairman: Sir Kenneth Robinson; Vice Chairman: Robert Scott;Secretary: Geoffrey Lord; Administrator: Anne Pearson

DIRECT MAILING (approx 12.000) \»»>f

February 1st mailing - 4 page A4 with booking form and return envelopeApril 2nd mailing (follow-up) 8 page A5 with booking form and returnenvelope

Regional Health Authorities - England, Scotland, Wales, N. IrelandDirectors of Social Services - England, Scotland, WalesFire Officers - England, Wales, ScotlandParticipants in Regional Meetings to launch ReportJournal list from Disabled Living FoundationMembers of the Inter-Museum Public Relations GroupPress and Media ContactsLocal Authorities - Chief Executives, Directors of LeisureRegional Arts AssociationsDisabled OrganisationsSHAPE Services in the UK

Arts Therapy OrganisationsCampaign for Press and Broadcasting freedomDisabled Living Foundation - Music & Hearing Impaired listCommittee of InquiryAccess Officers in Local AuthoritiesDirectors of Education (LEAs) England and WalesArt Colleges - Music, Art, DramaDepartments of Education at Universities and PolytechnicsNUT

NATFHE

Directors of National Museums, England, Scotland and WalesArea Museums Councils

Specialist Groups of MuseumsCommittee of GEM (Group for Education in Museums)

Mailing list ofArts Council of Great Britain (5,000)

Newsletter of Centre on Environment for the Handicapped (1,500) -(April only)

Disabled Living Foundation (3,800) - (1st mailingliterature, sent out in April/May)

Assn of Professional Music Therapists (200)

British Assn for Dramatherapists (200)

Assn for Dance Movement Therapy (200)

Newsletter of Music News (DLF) (1,000 April/May)

ADVERTISEMENTS

January

Disabled Journals (130)Museum PR Staff

Positif

Shape North WestMusic Therapy GroupsRegional Arts AssnsMuseum Assn

MPG Bulletin

Library Association

March

CEH Journal

BRIBP OUTLINE OP TOPIC 8B88I0N8

THE ARTS A8 THERAPYArranged by John Evans

John is suggesting a chairman with a panel of 2 or 3 speakers.

The session will start with a 45 minute presentation using visualmaterial to define the area of therapy, its function and benefits

The delegates will then be divided into 4 workshops- Arts, Music,Drama and Dance therapy to be led by representatives of the relevantprofessional therapy organisations.

EquipmentVideo and/or projector

EDUCATION AND TRAININGArranged by Denis Coe

Denis will use a panel of up to 4 speakers with a talk forapproximately 1 hour followed by question time and a video. Thediscussion will include:-

a) Special schools - this could be led by a teacher such as DavidWoolley who works in conjunction with ordinary schools and mightdemonstrate the work of Summerhouse Special School in Stockton, orHoward Reece from Portsmouth College of Art and Design

b) Teaching training - further education and higher education,possibly involving two or three students

c) Arts and special needs advisory services in local authorities -examples of co-operation

Equipment

Video performance

INFLUENCING DECISION MAKERSarranged by Nicky Gavron and Rudi Breakwell-Bos

Nicky has asked Rudi Breakwell-Bos. the new Director of Artsline tochair this session. Rudi's background is Psychology and he is a filmmaker who has worked for Channel 4. He uses a wheelchiar.

Using a panel of perhaps 3 influential media and advertising people(yet to be invited) they hope to stimulate a lively discussion on theway disabled people are perceived by the general public and howprejudices and misguided pre-conceptions are reinforced by mediacoverage.

There will be extensive use of slide tape presentations, video and anexhibition of posters to illustrate the theme of the session.Discussion will also include the subject legislation and the sessionwill call for a specific course of action to bring about change forthe better in this field.

Equipmentvideo, slides

g)JJ

ACCB88 AND FACILITIESarranged by John Dobinson

John is planning his sessions as follows:-

There will be a panel of 5 people which will probably includeArthur Goldthorpe, the Chairman of the English Access Committeeand Stephen Thorpe a freelance architect who specialises indesigning for disabled people including the sensorily impaired.There should be blind and deaf representatives. Jill Allen, alsoof the English Access Committee might be the visually handicappedpanel speaker.

John intends to introduce this session with a talk by him onAccess in general. This will include a 12 minute video called 'Onthe Level' a film produced by the DOE with the aim of promoting abuilt environment more accessible to disabled people.It would be followed by Stephen Thorpe who would talk on theprovision of access facilities.There will be a section about regulations on access withparticular reference to arts buildings. The Code of Guidance tothe revised cinematograph regulations will be discussed. Thisshould be presented by an arts manager with a disability.

The final part of the session will be a general discussion withthe Chairman (Arthur Goldthorpe) inviting questions from thefloor.

EquipmentSlide and video'On the Level* can be a 35mm film or video

Leaflets

THB ROLB OF ART8 PROVIDERSarranged by Rod Fisher

Rod plans to start off with the performing arts. A group whoseperformances have been successfully geared towards the needs ofdisabled people will present their work - possibly Southend Palace

Theatre or Felicity Harvest's Theatre Workshops. For the visualarts he intends to focus on museums and galleries and the rise oftouch exhibitions. This subject could be dealt with by JamesFord-Smith, a visually handicapped curator who has put on a touchexhibitin in Belfast and Margrethe de Neergaarde, visuallyhandicapped curator at the London Museum who has made a specialstudy of museums and disabled people.

His third section concerns Education and will concentrate on dramagroups, eg, Young People's Theatre Groups, the Unicorn TheatreGroup, Theatre in Education or the Greenwich Young People'sTheatre.

Finally a venue manager of for example a large multi-purpose artscentre will speak about a range of access facilities, educationinitiatives and other provision needs of their particular venue tomeet the needs of people with different disabilities. Suggestionsinclude David Fischill from the Liverpool Everyman Theatre, orPhil Jones from Jacksons Lane Community Centre.The session would be chaired by an arts manager with adisability.

EquipmentVideo

TOPIC

(Main Hall)

DAY 2

9.00-10.45 TBB BOLE OP ARTS PROVIDERS

10.45-11.15 COFFEE

11.15-1.00 PAB-ICIPATION IN TBB ARTS

1.00-2.15 LUNCH

2.15-4.00 ACCESS AND FACILITIES

4.00 TEA

DAY 3

9.00-10.45 ECCCATION AND TRAINING

10.45-11.15 COFFEE

11.15-1.15 THE ABXS AS THERAPY

1.15-2.15 LUNCH

2.15-3.30 INFLUENCING DECISION MAKERS

3.30-4.00 TEA

C .•••'4.00^30 WHERE DO WE GO FROM HEBE?

8 UGG E 8 TED TIMETABLE

WORKSHOPS

(Rooms A,B,C)

1) ?

2) ?

3) ?

4) Dance, Drama,

Music, Arts

5) ?

_______

(Room D)

(3 per session?)

11.15

2.15

4.15

11.15

2.15

TOUR TO

Hoeplt-ls Art Project

(max in minibus - )

Dept 11.15

Ret 1.00

Dept 11.15

Ret 4.00

Dept 11.15

Ret 1.00

Dept 11.15

Ret 4.00

CD

SG

BS

©CONFERENCE SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING - ARTABILITY

DATE 11am Wednesday 5th March 1986

VENUE PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER

PRESENT

Simon Goodenough (Chairman)Councillor Kath Robinson

Peter Senior

Alan CourtneyGordon Infield

Elizabeth EastChris Davies accompanied by David Slater

Apologies: Bob Scott, Anne Pearson, Alan Howard, Rod Fisher, JohnEvans, Daphne Kennard, Denis Coe and Geoffrey Lord

IONPALACB THEATRE AFTERNOON

Further suggestions of performers were put forward.Double Exposure - Chris Davies will send Bob Scott a

video

Nina Falaise - It was felt that she might not be suitableas a solo performer, but might be asked to do aworkshop or have a video available.

Geoffrey Tate - SG to approachEsmond Knight - BS to approach

EE/BS It was agreed that Bob Scott should ask Nicky Hightner,Assistant Director of the Royal Exchange in Manchester, if hewould be director for the afternoon. Chris Davies would bepleased to give any advice.

It was suggested that a video might be on display in thefoyer of the Theatre before the performance.

±Q AC to check induction loop at Palace Theatre

2. SPECIAL SUNDAY CONCERT

EE/BS Bob Scott has been in contact with Manchester Festival aboutstaging a special concert of all the Monday afternoon artistson the Sunday evening, the last night of the Festival. Thiswould give the artists an additional opportunity to expandtheir talents and would involve the Festival in the Artabilityconference. Provided there was no extra cost to the conference,it was agreed to ask Bob to pursue this.

It was assumed that all publicity, i.e. posters etc. wouldbe provided by Manchester Festival, but they should be asked tocontact Alan Howard in the first instance. The question offree tickets was raised, but it was agreed to see what were theprices for other concerts at the festival generally.

A*-* iv/w

EE

PS/MG

MG/EE

CD/EE

AC

Bl

SG

-i^

KR/AC

AC

3. WHITWORTH ART GALLERY_.

(5^The Chairman reported that Professor Dodwell had agreed tV

allow the Monday evening reception to be held at the WhitvortbArt Gallery. Provisional timing for the reception was7.00-9.30pm with the Gallery closing at 10.00pm. It was hopedthat some classical music could be played during the reception.An official letter would now be sent to Manchester City Councilasking if they would host the evening.

It was noted that if hosted by MCC the Civic Head, Leaderof the Council and Chairman should be invited to attend.

FORUM - 'HEALTH THROUGH THE ARTS'

Hike Godwin had now made provisional arrangements with theForum. The evening would start at about 7pm with a reception,followed by a buffet supper and entertainment, finishing atabout 10.00pm. Entertainment would be by people who work inthe Health Service and arts therapists. Displays would be inthe concourse.

EE would write officially to the Forum cancelling theprovisional booking for Monday and confirming Tuesday. Theinvoice for costs is to be sent by Mike Godwin to CouncillorTom Egan to ask if they could be waived. It was agreed that wewould not approach any drug company, as this mightjeopardize Health Authority funding.

Chris Davies suggested that some names of stars either totake part or compere the evening should be obtained from StarsOrganisation for Spastics. CD to send EE name of contact atSOS. Other suggestions were Sir Harry Secombe and Erik Sykes.

AC to check induction loop at Forum

ADVANCE PUBLICITY

It was agreed that Bob Scott should be asked if his PressOfficer would assist with the publicity especially with localcontacts.

SG would write to Raphael Gonley to keep North West Artsinformed of progress.

It was important to put advertisements in one or two localmagazines, such as MANCHESTER MAGAZINE, ARTS MAGAZINE, andperhaps ask Eddie Shah to give a write-up in the Manchesteredition of TODAY.

Councillor Robinson agreed to send a list of localorganisations to be notified. AC will send Councillor Robinsonand Peter Senior a list of all the Manchester addressees.

AC to send 50 copies of preliminary programme to allCommittee members and 100 copies to Peter Senior

EE

7. LOGO

The Committee were delighted with the logo and notepaperdesign and wished to write and congratulate Alan Howard.

(s)

EE to write to Alan Howard asking for a rough quote to preparethe following:

EE/AH a) Display header boards at Owens Park (30)b) Directional signs round Owen's Park (12)c) 2 banners for use at Palace Theatre, Owens Park,

Wbltworth Art Gallery and the Forum with conferencetitle

d) 2 banners for use at Palace Theatre, Owens Park,Whitworth Art Gallery and the Forum with slogan

EE Carrier bags (Incorporating advertising), T shirts etc.

EE 8. It was noted that the Institute for Health ServicesManagement Annual Conference in Buxton in June might be anopportunity for distributing conference leaflet. EE to contacttheir organiser

9. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

AP As there had been no response from Equal Opportunities toour request for a member for the committee, CouncillorRobinson and Peter Senior asked the office to write to them

again to suggest that a member of the Disabled Steering Groupmight be put forward as a liaison with local groups to makesure that all were informed.

SG 10. SG will write to to the Carnegie Council with suggestionsshould there a surplus of funds.

11. WORKSHOPSDay 1

Day 2

2 at 2.15-4.00

4 at 4.15-5.30

2 at 9.00-10.454 at 11.15-1.152 at 2.15-3.30

EE EE to circulate list of possible workshops to committemembers for comments, additions, deletions etc.

12. FLOWERS

AC AC to arrange for flowers to be supplied by the Parks Dept atOwens Park.

13. TOWN HALL DI8PLAY

AP The display being prepared by the Carnegie Council for useat Westminster Palace will be on show in the Town Hall beforeand during the conference.

14. EXPBB8B8 FOR HBLPBB8

To avoid confusion, EE was asked to write to all organisersEE indicating that helpers if necessary would be given free

registration, accommodation and travel expenses - maximum of 4per session. Offer of expenses to be sent out by CC.

15. NEXT MEBTING has been arranged for Tuesday 13th May at11am at the Palace Theatre. Manchest.pr

©

arTHEWAYAHEADroRTHEARTS&PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES- MANCHESTER 22-24 SEPT1986

Conference Co-ordinator: Elizabeth East Nuffield LodgeConference Administrator: Alan Courtney Regent's Park

14 April 1986 London NW1 4RSTel: 01 -586 0383

Councillor K RobinsonChair

Social Services

Manchester City CouncilTown Hall

Albert SquareMANCHESTER

Dear Councillor Robinson

Congratulations on jour recent election as Chair of Manchester City Council.Thank you so much for the work you are doing on our behalf in Manchesterin promoting the Conference ARTABILITY. Elizabeth East tells me thatthings are coming together very well.

One matter vrtiich .is concerning ma however, is the lack of local disabledofficial representation on the Conference Sub-Ccmmittee. I am writingto you about this because I know that you too believe it to be veryimportant and also because you may be able to advise ms on who tocontact about this at this stage.

In spite of repeated efforts, I have not been able to elicit a responsefrcm the Equal Opportunities Department. I enclose copies of all myunanswered letters. Am I perhaps writing to the wrong department, oris there some other reason for the lack of response?

I look forward to hearing frcm you.

Best wishes

<SkT>

ANNE PEARSON

AdministratorCARNEGIE COUNCIL

ENCS

. Conference Committee Chairman: Simon GoodenoughUnder the auspices of the Carnegie Council for Arts and Disabled People

Chairman: Sir Kenneth Robinson, Vice Chairman: Robert Scott, Secretary: Geoffrey Lord, Patron: Sir Richard Attenborough

City of Manchester

Social Services DepartmentP 0 Box 536Town Hall ExtensionManchester M60 2AFTelephone 061-23>^- SCOCTelex: 667149 (Corp Manchester)

Your reference

Our reference KTR/AD/4a/WDate 15th April, 1986.

Miss I WaltonDirector of Social Services

This matter is being dealt with by

Councillor Robinson

061-234 3887 (own number)

Dear Terry,

Please can you let me know if any actionhas been taken in relation to the Disabled

Steering Group representative so that I canreply to the attached correspondence.

Yours sincerely,

Chair -

Social Services Committee

Terry Day,EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES UNIT.

-\

\\- 7̂ f$V.'»tf>S&

Councillor Robinson

P/TD 3252

Terry DayEqual Opportunities Unit

2 May 1986

Qs)

ARTABILITY CONFERENCE

I enclose a copy of a letter which I have Just sent to Anne Pearson, which Ihope will resolve the situation, and should answer your query.

Mary's death and Sue's sickness have been major difficulties. The lack ofacknowledgement remains, however, inexcusable and I will see we lighten up onprocedures for dealing with mail.

Eno

.;304Tl)PPO925/ls'.la Anne Pearson

Administrator P/TD/SNCarnegie Council 1st Hay, 1936Nuffield LodgeKe-ent's Park Sue dapolitanoLondon NW1 4RS 3258

Q-

Oanr lis Pearson

tUfABILITY COWf-:;R-UCrJ

Tour letter of 14th April to Couucillor Robinson, rejarlins the laci. of localdisabled representation 0:1 the Conference Sub-Co__ittii<i iias been passed touu.

firstly, I do apologise for the fact that your letters of 15th ^ceaoor, 1935,16th January, 1986 and 14th March, 1986, went unacknowledged and ./era notdealt with. The Equal Opportunities Unit did indeed receive than - you doSiave the correct addruuu.

The reason for thi3 diacoiirteay lias been the criaia staffing level of tuaDisabled People's Section of the Unit - with only ouu .rortcer available foruuch of the period since Ueccubar, 1935 (out of a poujiJle 3). ,,'iiiie not laauy way wishing to iuply that no acknowledgement of letters is acceptable, Ta.a jure you will appreciate the difficulties faced by the one reoiainin;jworker, in addition to having to cope with the eaotional stress caused oy ilacyElatow's death.

Your request to the Disabled People's Stearlng Group will be put to their nextmeeting and I will inform you of the outcome.

In the meantime, if you would like to forward minutes of meetings and detallvof progress so far, I will ensure that the relevant officers are kept up-to-date.

Once again, please accept my apologies for the delay in dealing with yourrequest.

Yours sincerely

FROM

MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL /INTERDEPARTMENTAL MEMORANDUM

•- T"

QA-/ /-'

The Town Clerk

YOUR REF.OUR REF.

A/BDK

TO

See Distribution List Below

TEL. EXTN. NO.

3044

DATE

29 April 1986

ARTABILITY 1986

The above is a conference which will be held in this Citv fmm oo <•„ o„x__t__? -hich is io°ki-*" *• -j^^t^i^ __The City Council is giving a civic reception at the Whitworth Art Gall*™ onthe evening of Monday, 22 September, next, for the approximately 400 __2__...T^T,?TCted V PreSent' ThiS Venue has been^reed rather ?han theTown Hall because of its better disabled access.

I shall let you have further details as they become available.

(&W \C\("jJbJ

Distribution

Chair of the Council's SecretaryActing Public* Relations OfficerTown Clerk's Secretary

(/Deputy Town Clerk's SecretaryLeader's SecretaryMembers * Secretariat

Assistant Ceremonies Officer

For information

Director of Social Services

s^

kl .e

J'o/^-t

To all members of the Conference 1986 Planning Sub-Committee

Simon Goodenough (Chairman)Bob Scott

Councillor RobinsonPeter Senior

Anne Pearson

Alan CourtneyGordon Infield

Elizabeth East

Chris Davies

Alan Howard

Rod Fisher

John Evans

Daphne KennardDenis Coe

Geoffrey LordJulia Finlay - EdinburghRepresentative - Equal Opportunities, ManchesterRepresentative - Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People

AGENDA FOR MEETING AT THE CIRCLE BAR, PALACE THEATRE, MANCHESTERON TUESDAY MAY 13th at 11am.

1. Welcome to Julia Finlay from Edinburgh, a representativefrom Equal Opportunities and a representative from the GreaterManchester Coalition of Disabled People

2. PROGRESS REPORTSPalace Theatre afternoon - Bob Scott to report7 groups and individuals have been invited to take part in

the afternoon. A decision is still awaited from BuckinghamPalace as to whether Princes Charles will be able to attend.The Committee has been in touch with Manchester Festivalabout a possible concert of the artistes on Sunday September21st (Bob Scott to report).

Whitworth Art GalleryManchester City Council has kindly agreed to host the

evening at the Gallery. Catering will be through ManchesterUniversity. Should music still be considered as part of theevening? It will be very expensive to move a piano into theGallery, and it is not proving easy to find a group with adisabled player, which does not require a piano. .

Wythenshawe Eveningl(Peter Senior to report)It would be nice to have a celebrity for the evening to act

as compere. Sir Harry Secombe is unfortunately unable toattend. An approach has been made to Eric Sykes, and otherpossibilities might be Leslie Crowther, Terry Scott, RoyKinnear. <T) ' /

l! i ifcU ">*** *&) J [rf^^Mil ^uVjl :^ .

I

a „

2.

3. Workshops, Displays(Attachment A)

12 individuals and organisations have been approached toorganise workshops. These will last lj hrs and will be held inthe common rooms which have an audience capacity of about30-40. Some workshops will have to run concurrently with thesessions. „ V ,1

22 organisations have asked to mount displays. These willbe on boards in the foyer, common rooms, and main hall. We arestill looking for more displays boards, if anyone knows of asource.

4. Subsidies

(Attachment B)•Qi^f^ Special concessionary rates are being offered to

.,;/''V/sN participants who will not be in full time employment in(Cv'r, i. -September. Is this however still too high for unemployed

V>i •• •4^^ people and should a special fund be set up? It would beV-V'V' c'•' \ • ]" n impossible, to subsidize an individual for attending as it wouldv.'- '>•'' •> t\ \$ N'involve all kinds of means testing. However, it could be;j^\'• i- -\.0'J offered to voluntary organisations who are not in receipt of,' } •.. " grant aid.

\C- Gala Day - In order to fill the Palace Theatre, should weconsider advertising locally through organisations offeringfree or reduced tickets? This could be done in July/August bywhich time we should know the number of paying customers.

A £2,000 grant has been received from Marks and Spencers

5. Video

There are two possibilities for the use of videoa) Making a video film of the two days of the conferenceb) Providing videos to be included in the Gala afternoon

Chris Davis to report ,-r '-->--•?_: 2, i » <,> v soy? - • >A-"•*--• s

6. Art Exhibition -jr, .5 % <; i,'-;sv- John Evans has now heard from the Corner House who cannot

a v^° .offer any of the formal exhibition space for our proposedtfJs/y\jJ^- e-hibition by disabled artists. Sue Grayson Ford, the

\-CfiJ' t,exhibition organiser, has suggested the Education Office for aw, 6C N^tjemporary display of material to coincide with the conference,

\30^ \ ur^ ^Ut lt is tnou8ht that this might make the exhibition look(A ryPP U».i£?cond Dest- Should we abandon this idea?

H vrfS^, 7' Final Session - 'Where do we go from here?'a»^ V(T It will be important to find a suitable chairman for this

0° JL session -someone who will need to be aware of the policies\S» X developed throughout the conference and able to lead thepA * discussion 'what happens now?' - Any suggestions?

3.

he following have been invited

Ministers: Mr Richard Luce, Minister for the Arts (unable toattend)

Mr Tony Newton, Minister for the Disabled (noreply)

Arts Council: William Rees-Mogg)Luke Rittner )unable to attendBrian Rix )Anthony Everitt Mon/Tues only

Suggested replacements:Elizabeth Thomas - Arts Council Trustee

Robert Woo^f - Vice chairman, Drama Committee

Government Departments (verbally invited)Bob Dunn - Under Parliamentary Secretary for

Education

Ian Lang - Under Parliamentary Secretary forEmployment

Anne will send a follow-up letter to all Ministers approachedthrough the Attenborough Report

9. Bannners, directional 'signs, display board headersThe cost of printing display header boards with the logo is

about £100 with the name of the organisation being extra. It issuggested that we only print the organisation name to savecosts.

The cost of a banner 3'xl2' is about £55. Again it is •>suggested that we have only two banners, one with the XJ?ARTABILITY logo and wording, and the other with the wording •vJ"\ffagreed at the previous meeting ^A} Celebration of Ability1./>y*\&/These two banners could be on display at the Palace Theatre and^t1'then moved to the Main Hall at Owens.Park for Day 2 and 3.

Directional signs - these will be provided by Owens Park

10.2nd MailingIs this necessary or should we aim at the Gala afternoon?

Alan Courtney to give a progress report on bookings and anestimate of cost for a 2nd conference mailing and a mailing forthe Gala afternoon only.

11 Future Meetings

YO1*1

VVS-

^M

n:CARNEGIE COUNCIL ^.StArts and Disabled People '"^i!

19 May 1986 London NW1 4RS

Administra^oj^ng^ MEETING - ARTABILITY Telephone: 01-586 0383

I enclose the notes of the meeting held last Tuesday 13 May and theoutline notes of Item 16» Any suggestions please to Peter Senior at:MANCHESTER HOSPITALS ARTS PROJECT, THE ARTS CENTRE, ST MARY'S HOSPITAL,HATHERSAGE ROAD, MANCHESTER, M13 OJH Tel 061 276 6350.

With Compliments

CONFERENCE SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING - ARTABILITY

TIME 11 am Tuesday 13th May 1986

VENUE PALACE THEATRE, MANCHESTER

PRESENT .Simon Goodenough (Chairman)Bob Scott

Councillor RobinsonPeter Senior

Anne Pearson

Alan CourtneyGordon Infield

Elizabeth EastChris Davies accompanied by David SlaterAlan Howard

Daphne KennardLinda Waugh (Equal Opportunities, Manchester)Judith Holman (Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People)

m

ACTION

1. PALACE THEATRE AFTERNOON

Nick Hytner has been asked to be Director for theafternoon, but cannot yet confirm his acceptance. Still nodecision from HRH Prince Charles. All performers haveconfirmed acceptance (Ian Dury still provisional). Anadditional act might be the Unicorn Theatre Co. Bob Scottto speak to the company.

Speakers:It was felt important that HRH should attend. Sir

Richard Attenborough has been asked to invite him on ourbehalf and we hope he will be successful.

Interspersed with the 4 keynote speeches from Sir RichardAttenborough, HRH (?), the Minister for the Disabled andthe Arts Council it is hoped to have about 6 incendiaryspeeches from the floor covering a wide variety ofsubjects. Suggested speakers are Nabil Shaban, David Blunkett,Daphne Payne. Any further suggestions to AP.

Wheelchairs

Only a limited number of wheelchairs can be accommodatedin the Palace Theatre - the maximum approx. 30-40. BobScott to check with the fire officers. In any publicityfor the Day this must be carefully worded, explaining thelimitation. Priority for wheelchair space must be given todelegates attending all three days of the conference.

Guide DogsGuide dogs are allowed into the Theatre

Loop hearing systemAvailable in the Theatre

Bob Scott

Everyone

Bob Scott

ACTION

EE/BS/SG

EE

EE

Town Hall/EE/AC

AH/EE/AC

2.

CONCERT. SUNDAY EVENING

Manchester Festival have agreed to include the concert intheir programme. ARTABILITY should send to the Festival aletter confirming the concert and within the next fortnightcopy of 100 words, artists and prices etc. for inclusion inthe main programme.

All the groups have agreed to take part (Ian Puryprovisional) with the exception of Graeae (but they will beperforming Monday afternoon at the 'Gala')

Posters/leafletDetails will be needed within the next 2 months

Cost

The Palace Theatre will underwrite the concert,hopefully with a grant from the City Council. Any profitcould go to Artability.

2. IBITWORTH AET GALLERY

Manchester City Council have kindly agreed to host theevening, and have made arrangements with the UniversityCaterers to provide a finger buffet with wine and softdrinks. A finger buffet is however not substantial enoughand EE will talk to the caterers with a view to a subsidyof say £1-2 per head for extra food.

Following a visit to the Gallery by EE and DaphneKennard it was agreed to have music in the North Gallery.EE to invite Kate Elmitt and John Railton piano duo toperform and to investigate the cost of hiring a piano -possibly through the University Music Department.

(W

Invitation Cardsapprox. 400 to be printed.

SignsA number of signs will be necessary, such as 'Quiet,

Please'.

1YTHBNSHAWE

The Chair of Leisure Services Committee has kindly agreedto waive the charge for the hire of the Forum. An eveningof fun and entertainment plus up to 50 static displays.

Proposed programme7pm Drinks in the foyer7.30pm Buffet nightclub-style in the main Hall with the

emphasis on health food. Musical accompaniment(lhr)

9.30-10.30pm Cabaret (3-6 events)

CelebrityIt is hoped to invite a celebrity to the evening. Eric

Sykes has been approached. Another possiblity is MikeHarding (Patron, NW Shape)

ACTION m

EE/AC

EE/PS

4. SECOND MAILING

It is hoped that a second mailing for the conferencewill not be necessary. However , a special mailing forthe Gala Day in late June is important. Mailing listsshould be checked and individual letters from SirKenneth(?) sent to Directors/Chairmen of organisations andlocal authorities inviting them to attend or to send arepresentative. We will try to obtain the GLC mailing listused for the Local Authorities and Disability Conferencelast February.

5. WORKSHOPS

If there is no response from the Polka Children'sTheatre Co. there are several local puppet groups whocould be asked.

6. VIDEO

An estimate of cost for videoing all three days is£5,045. This money cannot be taken from the conferencefunds, and Chris Davies agreed to see if money could be

CD found from other sources such as Concord. It is stillimportant to clarify how the video could be distributed oncemade and edited, and to ensure that any filming would notdisturb the sessions. Permission would also need to beobtained from all the performers.

7. SUBSIDIES

An additional subsidy could be available on request fromAC individuals, provided they attach themselves to a disabled

organisation. These extra subsidies would not beadvertised.

Full conference from £40 to £30

Three days (non residential) from £25 to £20Daily (non residential) from £10 to £7.50

8. ART EXHIBITION AT THE CORNERHOUSE

9.

Agreed to abandon this idea as suitable space was notavailable and preparation time too short.

DISPLAYS AT OWENS PARK

These should be open to the general public and localAC disability organisations. AC to check with Owens Park that

they have no objection.

10. DISPLAY AT THE TOWN HALL

AP/EEGI

KR

This should be in the Town Hall for two weeks precedingthe conference. GI will transport the display to Owens Parkduring the weekend. KR agreed to make the necessary bookingarrangments with the Town Hall.

ACTION4.

@AP

AP

EE

AP/EE

AP/EE

EE

11. VIPs

a) Mr Tony Newton - to be contacted again?

b) Rod Fisher to be asked for names to replace Art? Councilreps who cannot attend

c) John Oliver of Gateway to be asked for list of localMPs

d) Is there another MP to replace Mr Luce?

e) Invite: Alf MorrisLord Rhodes of Saddleworth (President of NW

Shape)

12. BANNBRS

It was noted that any banner across the street would needto be quite sizeable. EE to ask the Palace Theatre abouthanging banners inside or outside the Theatre, and the CityCouncil about banners across the street.

13. FINAL SESSION

Important to find a good Chairman and/reporter.Suggestions:

Kevin Mulhearn

Rosalie WilkinsDr John RobertsBob Scott

Peter Cox

Dr Ken Robinson

Preference should be given to a speaker with adisability. Further suggestions to be sent to AP or EE

The final session should be longer - 4.00-5.15pmto make time available for plans for future action.

14. SMALLER MEETINGS

Smaller meetings will be held during the next few months,with a final Sub-committee meeting in early August. Notesof meetings will be circulated to the sub-committee. ChrisDavies asked to be kept informed of the Gala Day.

15. PRESS

It would be helpful to have a local press officer. Anumber of organisations could be approached for help - TownHall, N.W. Arts, Regional Health Authority, Palace Theatre,local COI.

16. LAUNCH OF COMPETITION BY RBGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

The RHA are keen to launch a competition at theconference. PS to circulate some outline notes to thesub-committee.

Everyone

EE

PS

ARTABILITY - CONFERENCE 1986 $>

Dr. John Roberta {North Western Regional Health Authority) has

suggested that as part of the health authority's contribution to the

Conference he would like to promote and sponsor financially (possibly

£5,000) for a competition and/or Festival in 1987 with the theme 'ARTS

FOR HEALTH'. If more money was needed he would look for additional

sponsorship.

The range of visual and performing arts and crafts as listed in the

Attenborough Report i.e. dance, drama, film, puppetry, music, mime, move

ment, story-telling, drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, photography,

literature, should he suggests be reflected in this Festival.

His idea is that such a competition for the best examples in each

art and craft form would be the basis for a Festival, which should be

"piloted" in the North West, and if successful might become a national

event possibly with the support* of the Health Education Council.

Dr. Roberts believes .that the practical details concerned with mount

ing, organizing and presenting such an event can be overcome, but is

anxious to receive comments through roe about the principles for such an

event which are:-

1. Should the Competition/Festival be open to professionals or

amateurs ?

2. Is it possible to involve both in some way ?

3. Should it be limited to disabled artists or should it be for all ?

A. Could it involve schools ?

5. Could it be for arts students ?

6. Is it possible to prepare a brief for such an event ready for

launching/announcing it at the Artability Conference in September ?

7. Assuming that it would need a Competition/Festival organizer to be

employed, do you know anyone who might be interested ?

I would very much welcome your thoughts on these ideas within the next

three weeks or the money will not be available for such an event.

SPASTICS SOCIETY

\tsCr ruin«G- (q)

It was reported that a request had been received from ALPHA, the North WestAdvisory Group of the Spastics Society on Cerebral Palsy, to be representedon the Steering Group.

David Whitehead was welcomed as the representative.

RECREATIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT EQUAL OPPORTUNITIESWORKING PARTY

A report from Ron Goulden was circulated. He asked the Steering Group forsuggestions on how to solve the problems which faced deaf people who wish tobook facilities.

It was agreed that the Recreational Services Department be requested to arrangemeeting with the deaf community to seek their views.ki

1

•3» J^V-V. I0ARTABILITY CONFERENCE

Details of the Conference were circulated.

It was reported that the conference organising committee had requested theSteering Group to be represented at their meetings. An officer had attendedtheir meeting the previous day, from which it appeared that the conference wasto be aimed at able bodied professionals involved in the arts, with minimalinvolvement of disabled people.

It was felt that in the conference programme the view was heavily emphasisedthat art was therapeutic to disabled people, but presumably not to the ablebodied, and that It helps people to feel "happy" when institutionalised.

Concern was also expressed about the fact that the conference has already beenplanned in great detail without significant input from disabled people, andthat the Palace Theatre was not a suitable venue because of poor accessibilityand lack of parking facilities for the disabled.

After considerable discussion it was agreed that the Chair, Deputy or an officershould attend the next organisational meeting and report back on the proposalsfor the Conference, and that the organising committee be requested to attend thenext meeting of the Steering Group to talk about the Conference.

The importance of working closely with the Greater Manchester Coalition wasstressed.

CONVERSION OP TAXIS FOR WHEELCHAIR-ROUND PASSENGERS

A report of the Director of Environmental Health was circulated.

It was reported that a visit wan to take place to inspect the modified ver.slonof the taxi, and that thi> Steering Group had been requested to be represented.

It was agreed that Ken Lumb, Paul Mlttler and an officer be nominated.

GRANT APPLICATION -

UNION OF THE PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED AGAINST SEGREGATION/

A report of the Town Clerk was circulated. /

/It was agreed that the Equal Opportunities Committee be.recommended to approve V-the application for starter and publicity grants, totalling £400.

GREATER MANCHESTER COALITION OF DISABLED PEOPLE/MANCHESTER DISABILITY FORUM - OPEN DAY

/

Details of the Open Day, to be held on 21st September, 1986, were circulated.

It was agreed that the Steering Group's support be given to the event.

HOUSING AND DISABILITY WORKSHOP

A report of the Town Clerk was circulated.

Ken Lumb commented that the Greater Manchester Housing and Disability Grouphad been looking at this issue for several years, but had not been consultedabout the workshop.

There had been problems with access to the workshop venue, so the Group hadbeen represented ,by an able bodied person only. It was not, however, made clearthat the workshop would result in policy changes being made without furtherconsultations,/and the content of the workshop also gave cause for concern.

It was agree'/=-/

(a) that/the Joint Consultative Committee be requested, in future, to referany reports regarding disabled people to this Steering Group before theyare referred to the Committees for implementation, so that the views ofdisabled people are gained first;

(b)/ that the Joint Consultative Committee and Service Committees be requestedto defer consideration of the report pending full consultation withdisabled people;

/ (c) that the Town Clerk be requested to investigate the possibility of the/ Steering Group being represented on the Joint Consultative Committee; and

'\

®BCODP MEETING - LONDON 17th, MAY, 1986.

GMCDP was represented by Kevin Hyett and Neville Strowger.Main points that will concern the Greater Manchester Coalitionof Disabled People (GMCDP) and may need Council decision.

1. The Derbyshire CIL representative raised the issue of lack ofBCODP in the regions after much discussion, and in order tomove things on, the GMCDP representatives offered to host thenext BCODP Council meeting in Manchester, providing BCODP'sinvolvemenc in the regions is placed on the agenda. This waswarmly welcomed, the date being 12th, July, 1986. (Saturday).

2. The date for the BCODP AGM is 20th, September, 1986, and willbe organised by the London groups (venue not necessarily inLondon).

3. Concern was raised by many delegates from London regardingthe rtability conference to be held at Owen's Park inManchester during September, 1986. It was agreed to mandateall member groups to boycott and picket this conference.GMCDP were asked would they co-ordinate the demo as theconference is unfortunately being held in their area. AGREED.

4. Several nations have put in a bid to host the next DisabledPeople's International (D.P.I.) World Congress. BCODP areputting in a bid for the Congress to be held at BirminghamN.E.C. Member groups that met Henry Enns were requested tocanvas on behalf of BCODP.

5. Discussion took place regarding individual membership ofBCODP and associate membership for groups like DisabledLiving Foundation (DLF). After much discussion it was agreedthat delegates should canvas the opinion of their groupsready for the next meeting. If reaction is favourable,constitutional amendments will be proposed at the AGM.

N.B. It must be noted that no refreshment of any kind was offeredat this meeting.

(signed) A very dry.

Nev and Kev.

_ 6 _ Cor*)/-1-noa/ ^nut«

Funding & posts continueddp

b) Development Worker - This position has not yet beenfilled. It was felt that the advertisement should possiblybe put into major disability journals this time.

c) Admin, job description - A copy of this had been circulated,Ken asked the meeting if anyone had any questions aboutthis or were not happy with any of the items in it. Nonewere put forward. A contract of employment would be workedon for Thelma.

6) Artability Conference.

There were doubts about the venues for this conference. Judith

had been to the last meeting and felt that all the decisionshad already been made before that meeting.It was felt that the conference was directed at local authorities

not disabled.

Equal Opportunities and the Coalition to work together on this.

The Coalitions representative at the last BCODP meeting inLondon said that some of the groups in London are againstinvolvement with Artability, in fact as the conference is beingheld in our area it was suggested that the Coalition co-ordinatethe protest, this was referred to in part 3 of the report ofthe BCODP meeting circulated previous to tonights meeting.It was felt that the Coalition and Equal Opportunities Unitwere being used by having their representatives names on thelist of people attending the 'Artability' meetings.

Judith said she felt that it should not happen at all or itshould be picketed.

The meeting agreed that the Coalition should find out aboutthe opposition in London and enter into discussions with BCODP,co-ordinate response with other disability groups in line withBCODP. Someone would be needed to co-ordinate the protest.From the Coalition it would be Kevin, Judith, Ian and Ken andfrom the D.P. Steering Group, Bernard.

7) Report - BCODP meeting 17th. May, 1986.

A copy of this report had been circulated. In section I it wasmentioned that the Coalition reps, had offered to host the nextBCODP meeting on 12th, July, 1986 in Manchester. A suitablevenue would be found and BCODP notified as soon as possible sothat they in turn could notify all members. Refreshments wouldbe arranged. Kevin, Neville and Thelma to work on this.

Referring to part 5 of the report, the meeting felt that thereshould be no associate membership for groups e.g. DisabledLiving Services - non-disabled controlled groups. This would bethe Coalition decision given at the next meeting, the motionbeing made by Lorraine and seconded by Bernard.

8) A.G.M. - Open Day Venue?

A suggestion had been made that possibly the AGM could be heldon the same day as the Open Day first thing in the morning.Members at the meeting were asked to think about this idea.

cont inued

Greater Manchester

Coalition of Disabled People

GflKDPAnson Road Manchester M14 5BY

Tel 061 224 2722

18th , June, 1986.

Rachel Hurst,

Chairperson,BCODP ,

Yeoman House ,

76, St. James's Lane,LONDON,

N10 3DF.

Dear Rachel Hurst,

We were contacted this week by Anne Pearsonof the Carnegie Council about an emergency meeting in Manchesteron Friday 20th June to discuss problems arising with the organisation of the 'Artability' weekend in September. During thecourse of these conversations she read out a letter she had sentto you as Chairperson of BCODP. We were particularly disturbed atthe inference made in the letter that the GMCDP and the ManchesterEqual Opportunities Unit, Disabled Peoples Section, were support ingthe Artability conference and events. As far as GMCDP are concernedwe would like to make it absolutely clear that we are not involvedin the Artability Committee, nor do we want to be associated withany decisions taken by the committee.

We sent observers to their Artability meeting on the13th. May who made their status quite clear. The GMCDP observerfurther informed the committee that she could not commit GMCDP toany involvement until she had reported back.

At the GMCDP meeting at which we received this report we also had a report about Artability from our representativeon BCODP. After considering both these reports in some depth, wedecided to actively oppose the conference and events, in line withthe decision taken at the BCODP meeting. The Equal OpportunitiesDisabled Peoples Sttering Group will be meeting next week to considerits response.

We thought you should be aware of these strongfeelings about 'Artability' which exist in Greater Manchester(andwhich we believe have been echoed in the London area).

No doubt there will be further discussion aboutArtability at the July meeting of BCODP in Manchester and we lookforward to meeting you there.

Yours sincerely,

Chairperson,CMC DP

-_.->«£•.• *t /s (mwcwvi Ljeetif!Chairperson,n;-ihi..i p •

CARNEGIE COUNCIL ,_»rfSS_KArts and Disabled People *^£££t£3l

London NW1 4RS

Administrator: Anne PearsonTelephone: 01-586 0383

30 June 1986

The Carnegie Council learned with regret of the intention of the GreaterManchester Coalition of disabled people to boycott the ArtabilityConference. This will deny many people the opportunity to participate inimportant discussion on this topic and will have unfortunate longer-termconsequences which could mitigate against the involvement of people withdisabilities in arts activities.

The Council understands and respects the aims of the Greater ManchesterCoalition; and especially its objection to the choice of the PalaceTheatre for the public event. The Council wished to use the Theatre asan example of the need for change and to create the opportunity forimprovement in accessibility. It was also providing the opportunity itera number of artists with disabilities to perform in an importanttheatrical venue on two occasions', which was unlikely to have occurredotherwise.

Recognising the difficulties in acceptance of this venue by mentoers of theCoalition and others; the Council is willing to change the venue eventhough the opening event of the Conference will then have lesssignificance.

Such a change would need to be on the understanding that the GreaterHanchester Coalition and related groups withdraw their opposition to theConference. To encourage your representatives to participate in theevents and discussions; the Council will invite six guests from theGreater Manchester Coalition and three frcm the British Council free tothe Artability Conference.

Following the Conference; the Carnegie Council will be very pleased toUiscuss with Officers of the British Council of Organisations of DisabledPeople about the future of this work.

GEOFFREY LORD

Secretary

Chairman: Sir Kenneth Robinson Vice Chairman: Robert ScottSecretary: Geoffrey Lord

Patron: Sir Richard Attenborough

,.(.',-

j\)L\98& ®Flat 4,St. Francis Flats,

Ms. L. Gradwell, Bridgeway Street,GMCODP, London.

11 Anson Rd., NW1 1QT.Manchester.

M14 5BY.

1st. July 1986.

Dear Ms. Gradwell,

After telephone conversations with Ken Lumb and Bernard Leech, Iam writing to advocate reasons why Artability, despite itsfaults, should go ahead. I hope that this will be made availableto other members of the Coalition so that they may have theopportunity to know all the arguments involved.

I have been involved with the Planning Group for the Artabilityevent since the beginning of the year. My first meeting was onlythe second of the Group, and no major decisions had been takenpreviously. The reason for asking me to be a member was notimmediately apparent, but has since been explained to me. TheCarnegie Trust only involves anyone in its activities purely ontheir expertise in the area being discussed. In the two yearsprior to the publishing of The Attenborough Report and in thesubsequent period of The Carnegie Council, the area beingdiscussed was the arts and disability, not just disability.Therefore, I was invited because of my television experience andmy involvement with Fair Play: Campaign for Equal Opportunitiesin the Arts for People with disabilities, and not simply becauseI have cerebral palsy. This is not to say that my disability wasnot a criterion, but on its own it would not have been sufficientfor my inclusion in the Planning Group. In my opinion, this isperfectly fair since the area being discussed was of a specialistnature. To do otherwise would have risked people talking onsubjects about which they had no knowledge, or taking up valuabletime bringing up general topics irrelevant to the business beingundertaken.

My first reaction when I attended these meetings was dismay thatI was apparently the only person with a disability in the Group.Appearances, though, can be misleading. Invitations had been sentout to other people with disabilities. The first disabled personwho had been a member of the Group tragically died, but evenbefore this happened others had been invited. For differentreasons these invitations were either turned down or leftunanswered. However, the ratio of disabled people to able-bodiedpeople was never deliberately minimised. If efforts to rectify animbalance are unsuccessful because of a lack of response, thisshould not rebound on those who are actually trying to put thingsright.

&If my information is correct, Coalition members are not familiarwith the work of The Carnegie Council, and yet an understandingof this is vital to realising how Artability acquired thestructure it now has. The Carnegie Trust financed and organised atwo year enquiry into the arts and disabled people. The findingsof this enquiry were published in the book known as TheAttenborough Report. The Report is not perfect and it does notexamine the wider political context in which any aspects ofdisability should be placed, but within the narrow remit whichgoverned the enquiry it is the most comprehensive and potentiallymost far reaching document on the subject. To ensure that itsrecommendations were not lost, the Trust set up The CarnegieCouncil. The Council's sole job is to monitor and promote therecommendations of The Attenborough Report. Since the Council hasa limited life, which will end in December of this year, theevent now known as Artability was seen as the culmination of thiswork. The conference, in common with the rest of the Council'swork, is solely based on The Attenborough Report'srecommendations. The members of the Council are not permitted tolook any further than these boundaries and the Planning Group wasalways clear about this limitation on their own work.

As it happens, I am not particularly interested in some aspectsof the area covered by Carnegie eg. arts therapy. Nevertheless,for some people with disabilities therapy by some form of art isimportant and valuable. I also happen to think that some widerpolitical aspects (eg. anti-discrimination legislation) aregermaine in obtaining equal opportunities for disabled people inthe arts. And this is not part of Artability or The CarnegieCouncil's remit. Nevertheless, personal likes and dislikes are oflittle significance if the sum total of what is being attemptedby Artability is worth doing.

Artability is in two parts. I hope I have explained the rationalegoverning the subjects being discussed at Owen's Park. Thereasoning behind the Palace Theatre day was aligned to theoverall objective of assessing the progress of The AttenboroughReport recommendations, but nevertheless was slightly different.It was intended primarily as a celebration of the abilities ofartists with disabilities. Rather than confining the event totalking shops which can become abstract, arid and boring. ThePalace day was intended to provide positive, undeniable proofthat given the right opportunities artists with disabilities hadtalents which must be tapped. The question which has to be askedis: "To whom is this argument addressed?"

We as people with disabilities surely need no convincing of thisfact whatsoever. But then disabled people are not in positions ofauthority which can provide opportunities in the arts. We are notin charge of theatres etc. We are not fire officers or localauthority licensing personnel. These are the people who need tobe convinced. Artability was never about preaching to the

(^converted, more about CONVERTING. Therefore, the target audience>for the Palace was, in the majority, able-bodied people.

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Artability to be cancelled, we would look as if we did not needany assistance from them. Coaltion members may not beartistically inclined, but many people with disabilities are. Andfor those people, we do need the cooperation of Artability'starget audience. For many people with disabilities (and thenumber is growing) the arts are a living. Is the Coalition reallyprepared to put at risk an event which could further theopportunities for these people to advance their living?

Able-bodied people do have good intentions occasionally. Theparticular individuals who run The Carnegie Council and Artabiltyhave managed to create an event which is unique and massive inits scale. It has its faults and it can (and should) becriticised. But criticism is one thing. Destruction is anotherlUnless a similar project can be undertaken by organisations runby disabled people, to remove Artability without putting anythingin its place would be very, very wrong.

Finally, can I just state my motives for writing this?Approximately two weeks ago, I arranged to see Anne Pearson, theCarnegie Council Administrator, to see how things wereprogressing in the arrangements for the conference. When she toldme of the crisis that had arisen between the Coalition and theCouncil over Artability, I volunteered to attempt to contributemy point of view.

If possible, I would be willing to come and contribute in personat the debate.

Yours sincerely,

'XoJju^ SyChris Davies.

BRIEF NOTES OF A

MOTION PASSED BY THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES DISABLED PEOPLES

STEERING GROUP ON WED. 2nd. JULY.

RE.'ARTABILITY ' CONFERENCE.

1) The Disabled Peoples Steering Group opposes this conferenceon the grounds of:-

a) Lack of involvement of disabled people from the start.

b) Use of inaccessible venues.

c) The philosophy of the conference

1) The Medical/Therapeutic model used

2) Orientated towards policy makers rather thandisabled people.

2) The Disabled Peoples Steering Group calls upon the City Councilto withdraw its support for the Artability Conference untilsuch time as it meets the Disabled peoples Steering Groupcriteria for acceptability.

_4rta a/**/ Disabledto pressure

®event bows

A conference entitled -Artability - the way ahead for the artsand people with disabilities" was due to be held in Manchesterfrom 22nd to 24th September 1986. The event was organised by theCarnegie Council, a body set up to monitor and promote therecommendations of the Attenborough Report on the arts anddisabled people.

Over the last few months the conference became the centre of aqrowing controversy, as an increasing number of groups controlledby disabled people voiced their dismay at the way Artabilitywas being organised.

Other non-disabled groups condemned the conference, and ManchesterCity Council withdrew it's support for the event, also deploringthe tactics employed by the organisers to persuade disabledgroups to withdraw their opposition.With pressure growing from all sides, the Carnegie Councilrecently cancelled the conference, totally ignoring the optionof postponing "Artability- pending proper consultation with localand national disability groups.

So what issues were involved? Why did the Greater ManchesterCoalition of Disabled People object so strongly to certainaspects of the conference? What follows is a statement preparedshortly before the Carnegie Council's decision to cancel. Itdetails the main areas of contention.

f0art<aj

THEWAYAHEAD FOR THE ARTS &PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES- 3 -

©:-

At a meeting of the Coalition GeneralCouncil on Friday 4th July, thefollowingmotionwas passed unanimously:

G.M.C.D.P. opposes this conferenceon the grounds of:

a) lack of involvement of disabledpeople from the outset;

b) use of inaccessible venues;

c) the philosophy of the conference,i.e. the medical and therapeuticmodel used;

d) orientation towards policy-makersat the expense of disabled people.

Further, the .Coalition deplores thetactics and pressures employedby the Carnegie Council in theirefforts to persuade G.M.C.D.P. towithdraw its opposition.

Are these criticisms valid, oris the Coalition indulging in anexecise of loischievous spoiling,as has been implied? Let's examinethe points more carefully.

1. Lack of involvement of disabledpeople.

It must be conceded that the CarnegieCouncil did seek the involvementof organsations of disabled peopleat the outset. Mary Elstow was tohave joined the conference planningcommittee as a representative ofManchester City Council's EqualOpportunities Unit (Disabled People'sSection). However, Mary's tragic deathin a road accident at Christmas 1985,and the subsequent breakdown inconniunications, meant that no-onetook Mary's place until May 1986,by which time the whole format hadbeen devised and conference literatureprepared. The Coalition disagreedstrongly with various aspects oftheformat and philosophy of the event,but by then all the important decisionshad been made.

2. Use of inaccessible venues.

The Carnegie Council has proferreda variety of reasons for using thePalace Theatre as a venue for theopening day of "Artability".

The most consistent arqument hasbeen

that the Palace is "possibly the besttheatre in the land" and that it'suse would provide "the opportunity fora number of artists with disabilitiesto perform in an important theatricalvenue on two occasions, which wasunlikely to have occurred otherwise".These are quite sweeping statements,wide open to contradiction, andwe would argue that the fact thatindividual performances would beforcibly trimmed (4 minutes perartist has been mentioned) wouldhardly give performers much ofa chance to make an impact.

The second "reason" for using thePalace, "as an example of the needfor change andto create the opportunityfor improvement in accessibility",is almost laughable. Access tothe Palace was described in a recentsurvey as "appalling". The rampedside entrance presents a real physicaldanger to anyone in a wheelchair, andto the 2 helpers who would be neededto, overcome this obstacle. TheCarnegie Council anticipates thatthere will be some 30 wheelchairusers at the event - Coalition memberswould prefer not to be used ashuman guinea-pigs in order to provean obvious point.

Another access survey on Owen's Parkdescribes the access as "poor,as opposed to appalling". The disabledtoilets are situated a good 50 yardsfrom the bedrooms..

3. The philosophy of the conference.

The conference literature makesseveral referenc_- to health and

therapy, almost to the point ofrepetition. Of the 8 workshop topics,one is entitled "Health throughthe 'arts" and another "The Arts asTherapy". This seems inappropriatein an age when many disabled peopleare rejecting the medical mouldin which they have been cast forso long by society. Worse still,no reference is made to the conceptof arts as a vehicle for social

ccnment and political persuasion,issues of far greater relevenceto disabled people in Britain today.

4. Orientation towards policy-makers

- 4 -

at the expense of disabled people.

Several aspects of conference planningpoint towards this.

Firstly the use of the Palace Theatre.The Palace management offered thetheatre free of charge for whatthey obviously saw as a prestigiousevent. The Carnegie Council was quickto accept, seeing the Palace as aprestigious venue for their conference.This preoccupation with "prestige"appears to have taken precedenceover any consideration for the30 or so disabled people who willhave to endure grossly inadequatefacilities at the Palace.

The Owen's Park accommodation appearsto have been selected for no otherreason than its close proximity tothe conference areas. No considerationhas been given to the poor facilitiesfor disabled people.

But perhaps the most bellingindication of all stems from proposalswhich have only just emerged. Recentcorrespondence reveals that, at thePalace session, "through thecontributions of stage-managedinterruptions from individual people;the point will be made and repeatedabout how unjust it is that artsvenues are inaccessible". In otherwords, 30 unsuspecting wheelchairusers will play the part of unsuspectingstooges in a drama devised andperformed by able-bodied conspirators.Perhaps the point will be made moreforcibly by the refusal of disabledpeople to have anything to do withsuch an event.

Of course the policy-makers are thepeople who need to be influenced.This should not be achieved atthe expense of disabled people.

The final remark in the Coalitionnotion refers to events which havetaken place since the announcementof our objections to "Artability".

Our stance is far frcm being anisolated one. The British CouncilofOrganisations of Disabled Peopleand other London-based groups shareour objections, and we were encouraged

(39by the withdrawal of the GraeaeTheatre Company, the only professionalgroup of disabled actors and actressesin Britain, frcm the conference.

The "tactics and pressures" referredto have been subtle and persuasive,and have been brought to bear onall opponents of "Artability''.

The Carnegie Council has offeredtochange the Palace venue to a moreaccessible theatre, and has offeredsix free conference places to theCoalition and three free placesto B.C.O.D.P. on condition that wetotally withdraw our opposition.We have had to reply that the choiceof the Palace theatre as a venue wasonly one aspect of our objections.The Council have given no indicationthat they would be prepared toaddress the more fundamental issuesinvolved.

The most difficult pressure toresist, however, has come from thethreat of cancellation and thefinancial implications containedtherein. The Carnegie Council hasstated repeatedly that "mill innsof pounds" could be lost to iiqorovingacross to the arts for disabledpeople.

Do we reallywanttobe held responsiblefor such an occurrence? Can't we justonce forget our principles andcanpramise "for the greater good"?

The simple answer is "no". Butthe process by which that decisionwas reached was far from simpleand involved a great deal of soul-searching amongst individual membersof our organisation. After all,it must be admitted that organisationsof disabled people would find itimpossible to muster sufficientresources to stage a comparableevent.

Firstly we would hope that theCarnegie Council would consider apostponement in order to consultproperly with people who know thearea and who are familiar with theissues in most urgent need ofdiscussion.

- 5 T

Secondly, we don't see why ourprotest should mean the loss ormillions of pounds to the artsand disabled people. One botchedconference isn't going to overturnattitudes overnight, and if thewill exists to provide money toinprove access to the arts for ,disahled people, our protest willenhance rather than damage anyfund-raising efforts. A demonstrationof the very real anger felt bydisabled people at their exclusionfrom full participation will havefar more impact than the presenceof a few token disabled people,grateful at having gained dubiousaccess to ONE single event.

In conclusion, disabled people havea wealth of experience of eventsorganised by professionals on our

. behalf. Such events seldom come upwith the right answers simply becausethey ask the wrong questions anthe wrong way.

•Artahility" is just one more exampleof this sorry phenomenon.

>•••

Father-

Gander•Father Gander Hursery Rhymes -traditional rhymes updatedfor the 1980*s" tries to amendthe well-known nursery rhymesso they offer a more impartialview of the world to children.This book is a breath of freshair in childrens literaturefor a number of reasons.To quote from the introduction:"Nursery rhymes are among thefirst encounters withliterature, cultural expect--ations and verbal stimulithat young children have.As such, they have an importantand perhaps indelible impactupon the early formationof perceptions of felt,environment and relatxonships.

- 6 -

Despite their fantasy,innocence, and longevity,nursery rhymes offer a tawdryinitial view of this world.

A study of one hundred of ourmost popular rhymes reveals .a male-dominated, able-bodied,monocultural fairyland filledwith sexism, anger, violence,environmental and nutritionalignorance and insensitivityto the human condition. Theexpectations are clear: girlsmay be flower-tenders,frightened ^ curd-eaters,seamstresses, and imprisonedpumpkin-shell residents,while boys can bekings, masters,candlestick-jumpers, scholarsand wife keepers. Boys dash offon adventures; girls nurturechildren, staying pretty andunruffled. Girls can cry,boys cannot."

Both the author and illustratorof the book are disabled.This probably explains thethoughtful way disability hasbeen introduced into theillustrations. They arebeautifully painted with lotsof people pursuing normaleverydav activities.

Disabled people have beenintroduced in the illustrationsin unsensational and verysubtle ways as part of communitylife. Buildings are ramped -even tree houses have ramps.

Forty rhymes are.included; somechanged in minor ways> somemore extensively. Whilst someof the changes in the text area bit laboured, the book isnevertheless a welcome resource,particularly for the illustrations. Definitely amust for your Christinasshopping list.

"Father Gander Nursery Rhymes- traditional nursery rhymesupdated for the 1980's":published at £5.95 by ExteyPublications Limited, 16 ChalkHill, Watford, Herts.

Report on BCODP Meeting. 12/7/86 for the DPSG 0The council meeting was held for the first time outside of London, in

Manchester. It was well attended with about 20 delegates present. Food and

drink were provided at the meeting. Here is a summary of the major issues

discussed:-

1. DPSG has still not paid its affiliation fee, this needs to be followed

up.

2. The BCODP's bid to hold the next Disabled People's International in the

UK (in Birmingham) is going ahead and has the support of Henry EMS the DPI's

chair. The DPI is now officially recognised by the United Nations as the

authentic voice of disabled people and so should be used by £he BCODP to

stop organisations like RADAR and the DHSS from claiming that they represent

disabled people.

3.Paul Mittler was nominated as BCODP's representative on the National

Advisory Council on the Employment of Disabled People (MSC body).

4. Action on Disability and Development (ADD) - does work in 3rd World

countries, its board and employees are 50% disabled people. ADD are

offering to fund a development worker for BCODP. A strong bid was made from

Manchester representatives that any new worker should be based in the North.

5. BCODP's AGM will be held on Sep 20th, probably in London.

6.Regionalisation; it was felt that BCODP needed to get more involved in the

regions if interest was to be kept alive. It was suggested that if a long-

term base for the BCODP was needed then London was a bad place for it to be

considering its geographical bias, and the difficulty of transport and

parking. It was suggested Birmingham might be the most appropriate.

7. British Assoc, of Social Workers : a joint meeting with BCODP which last

year had met opposition from Manchester, is now proposed to be held in the

Midlands on Oct 31st.

8. Artability: a long discussion was held on this issue. Eventually the

following motion was passed with no votes against and one abstention:-

"The BCODP whilst welcoming the positive proposals outlined in the

Attenborough Report,and the recent decision by the Carnegie Council

not to use an inaccessible theatre, still opposes the Artability conference

on the grounds of:-

a)Failure to fulfill the recommendations of the Attenborough report.

b)Lack of involvement of disabled people

c)The philosophy of the conference,ie: the medical/therapeutic model used,

and the emphasis solely on policy makers at the expense of disabled people.

The Bcodp deplores the tactics employed by the Carnegie Council in order to

presuurise member organisations to withdraw their opposition

Bernard Leach, July 1986

TOWN CLE^C•<•? 0=WF~> 1~K~TOWN HALL. MANCHESTER M60 2LA .

R. M. W. TAYLOR LLB SOLICITORTOWN CLERK AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Cityof Manchester

AGENDADATE

DISABLED PEOPLE'S STEERING GROUP

Tuesday, 5th August, 1986

7.30 pm

No.5 Committee Room, Level 3, Town Hall Extension

TIME

PLACE

Item No.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 2nd July, 1986, (copy enclosed).

Matters Arising

Premises for Greater Manchester coalition and MDP

Letter from MDF (enclosed).

Churches Work Scheme

Letter from CWS (enclosed).

Manchester Show

To consider the following motion:-

That the Steering Group recommends that the Leisure servicesCommittee look at sources for the funding and purchase of a

minimum of 6 powered wheelchairs for use by disabled people atthe Manchester Show, and for future use in the City.Availability of these chairs should be widely publicised.

BCODP/Artability

(a) Report on BCODP meeting held on 12th July, 1986.

(b) To note that the Equal Opportunities Committee, on the 16thJuly, 1986, expressed its concern about the ArtabilityConference to be held in Manchester in September because of

Public Inspection ol Documents and Attendance at Meetings

a) Background documents toitems and reports on the Agenda may be inspected and copied before orafter the Meeting through theInformation Centreat the Town Hall. Certain information maynotbeopento inspection for the reasonsstated inthedocument listincluded in each report.

b) Reports tor items listed under PartAof the agenda are likely to beconsidered in public and are available tothe public. Acopy may beobtained from the InformationCentre or at the meeting free of charge.

c) Reports tor Items listed underPart Bof the agenda are likely tobeconsidered in private after the exclusionof the press and public for thereasons staled against each item.

d) Further information anddetails about rights toinformation arealso available attheInformation Centre.

the lack of involvement of disabled people in organisingthe conference, the inaccessibility of the venues and themedical/therapeutic philosophy of the professionalsinvolved; that the officers be requested to investigatewhat commitment the City council has given to assist withthe conference, and that appropriate committees berequested to note the committee's concern, and that theattempts which have been made to threaten disabled peoplein Manchester with the withdrawal of funds if they do notsupport the conference be condemned.

(c) BCODP Press Release.

7. Redeployment of Newly Sick or Disabled Employees

joint report of the Town Clerk and Director of Personnel.

8. LGIU Management Meeting

To consider the following motion:-

That the Steering Group is appalled at the complete lack ofinformation on disabled peoples' issues provided by the LocalGovernment information Unit and the Steering Group calls uponthe council's delegate to the LGIU to demand that the unitcollects such information, in consultation with the BCODP as amatter of urgency.

9. Request for support from Manchester Disability Forum

Letter and grant application (enclosed).

10. visit to London Boroughs of Camden and Lambeth

(a) to note that the Equal Opportunities Committee, on the 16thJuly, 1986, approved a pilot visit to the London Boroughsof Camden and Lambeth by two members of their committee,two members of the Disabled people's steering Group andappropriate officers, and that the visit be classed as anapproved duty.

(b) To nominate two members of the Steering Group.

11. workers' Report

Report of the Town Clerk.

12. work Programme

To consider the following motions:-

(a) That the Steering Group recommends that the Council adoptsa policy whereby all new vehicles used for publictransportation by the Council, and all groups funded by theCouncil have platform lifts to provide full accessibility.

&

FAIR PLAY|______^____BK__HH_____ __________________

Campaign For Equal Opportunities InThe Arts For People With Disabilities.Julya17th 19861 r

Please Reply To: <Vo tfWf& / Tt_wyaiL ^^ ^x^dca^ umo -Sx*LDear Ken Lurab,

FAIRPLAY, at its A.G.M. has discussed the criticisms made by the BritishCouncil of Organisations of Disabled People (BCODP) and the GreaterManchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP) of the proposedArtabllity conference in Manchester.

Ve totally accept the pinclple that a conference concerning theinterests of people with disabilities should Involve people withdisabilities in a major organisational role.

nevertheless, as artists with disabilities, we are highly conscious thatthere is very little discussion of the factors that limit us frompursuing our chosen profession, or of the contribution that the arts canmake to fighting the opppression of people with disabilities. Ve feelthat, whatever its limitations, a conference such as this one hasconsiderable potential benefits for us, and we would like to see it goahead if possible.

Ve suggest therefore, that we should host a meeting between the BCODP,the GMCDP and the Carnegie Council, to renegotiate the agenda for theconference and attempt to find a mutually acceptable programme.

Ve are aware that the major areas of controversy (particularly inrelation to such issues as the distinction between Art and Art therapy)but feel that they should be discussed, and that this conference couldprovide a useful forum for such discussion.

Yours faithfully

qfi_fltft UtoeJU^ •Maggie VoolleyChair

Ken Lumb

Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People

11 Anson Rd

Manchester M14 5BY

ccs Geoffrey Cord Carnegie Council Rachel Hurst BCODP

CARNEGIE COUNCIL ,__.,!_?___!Arts and Disabled People princeDAlbert."?*

r Regent s ParkLondon NW1 4RS

Administrator Anne PearsonTelephone: 01-586 0383

18 July 1986

Dear Delegate

We are writing to tell you that the Carnegie Council has decided with greatregret to cancel the ARTABILITY Conference. We do this with much sadnessand after careful consideration. Nearly all of the 300 places had alreadybeen taken up and we were encouraged by the many expressions ofenthusiastic support.

Disabled people were deeply involved in the preparation of the AttenboroughReport, as they are in the work of the Council and in all aspects of theArtability Conference. All the performers whom we invited have adisability, and many of the speakers and workshop organisers are alsodisabled. Building on this, we had hoped that the Conference could be thespringboard for mare artists and others with disabilities to cone forwardto continue the work of the Council in promoting the recommendations ofthe Attenborough Coimittee. The Conference was intended for disabled andable-bodied people to meet together and for Officers in central and localgovernment, in health authorities and in voluntary organisations to learnof progress in this area of work. .

Plans had progressed well with substantial costs already incurred when theGreater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People and later the BritishCouncil of Organisations of Disabled People, of which they are a member,

n decided to oppose the Conference. The local body threatened to take. further unspecified action in connection with the boycott which was clearly-, designed to embarrass the Carnegie Council. Attempts to discuss the

•'/ differences between us have regrettably, not been accepted by these two. organisations.

It was only after much consideration of all the facts and with greatreluctance that we decided against entering into public controversy andrisking serious embarrassment to delegates and guests. We also believethat it would have been wrong to postpone the decision any further.

We wish to apologise to all intended delegates and guests as well as themany who have given assistance for the disappointment and inconveniencewhich this decision will cause. We shall new concentrate en the Council sother urgent tasks of influencing policy in line with the recaraiendationsof the Attenborough Committee of Inquiry. We are also keen to continuediscussion with all national organisations interested in promoting thecause of the arts with disabled people.

Yours sincerely

GEOFFREY LORDSecretary

Chairman: Sir Kenneth Robinson Vice Chairman: Robert Scott, Secretary: Geoffrey Lord

Patron: Sir Richard Attenboroughin association with the Carnegie United Kingdom Trust, Dunfermline, Fife.

/

top British Council of Organisations of Disabled People

PRESS RELEASE

22 JULY 1986: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FROM THE BRITISH COUNC_3___j_ ORGANISATIONS OF DISABLED PEOPLE(BCODP"), RE: The ARTABILITY Conference on the Arts and Disability.

The BCODP welcomes the announcement from The Carnegie Councilthat, in the face of criticism from disabled people, it hasdecided to abandon plans for its Artability conference. Whilstwe recognise the positive contribution The Carnegie Councilhas made in the area of the arts and disability, we havenevertheless concluded that the Artability conference wouldnot have furthered the interests of disabled people. The reasonfor this being that the conference was organised, contraryto the claims of The Carnegie Council, without adequateconsultation with or representation from organisationscontrolled by disabled people.

The Carnegie Council did not prioritise liaison with disabledpeople because they did not consider that organisationscontrolled by disabled people have an interest in or influenceupon the arts. We find this totally unacceptable and wouldpoint out that a women's arts festival would have no credibilityif organised by men, nor a black arts conference if organisedby white people.

Other serious concerns around the conference were the physicalinaccessibility of the chosen venues; the high cost of attendance;the short time allotted to disabled performers; the contentiousinclusion of art as therapy and rehabilitation; and the heavyemphasis within the programme on professionals deciding theway forward for us in the arts.

The BCODP has been supporting initiatives which promote theinvolvement of disabled people in the arts. We also welcomeinitiatives which encourage collaboration between disabledpeople and professionals, and which lead to an increase inour control over our own affairs. We look forward to workingin future with those who have been involved with the Artabilityconference.

Contact:

Ends.

Anne RaeBernard Leach

01 441 0996061 881 1845

kr w hliH

Report of the City Architect concerning accessin the Palace Theatre Oxford Rd. for the

forthcoming Artability conference.

The report falls into two quite seperate sections -

a.Access to the auditorium and relevant facilities.

b.Access to the stage, dressing rooms, and relevantfacilities.

a.

There is no level access to any part of the auditorium.CIRCLE- This is the easiest part of the auditorium to

reach. This entails negotiating a portable wooden ramp with noborders on either side, nor any handrails. This ramp is verysteep and has a gradient of approximately 1 in 5. Such agradient we consider to be of no use to an individual using amanually propelled wheelchair.

There is then a lift to the circle area. The operatingbuttons are far too high, but the lift is roomy. The circle hasspace for only four wheelchair users and access to the otherseats is difficult because of the steep terraced seating. Thereis a unisex toilet designated as for use by disabled people.This provision is woefully inadequate, with many fittings toohigh and only a free standing frame placed over the toilet togive support.

STALLS- Because only four spaces are available towheelchair users in the circle, it is proposed to use the stallsfor seating wheelchair users. This is because two rows of seatscan be taken out to accommodate broadcasting equipment should aproduction ever be televised from the Palace. This wouldfacilitate 30-35 wheelchair users all in one row right across themiddle of the stalls.

Even so, access to the stalls is appalling. This can onlybe achieved by negotiating a flight of 13 stairs!! The proposalis to install a chair-lift for all wheelchair users. Our

estimation is that i_f the arrival of wheelchair users could beco-ordinated, and .if there were no technical hitches, and .ifeverything ran smoothly, then it v/ould take two hours to getwheelchair users into the building and two hours to leave.

There are no accessible toilets in the stalls.

35 wheelchair users would be the maximum number allowed into the Palace, as the Palace management were not in agreementthat they should allow transfers from wheelchairs to seats asthere was no available storage space for vacant wheelchairs.

There was not a loop system to aid the hearing impaired.There was no use of braille or tactile surfaces to aid

people with visual impairments.

*"> .

^-SAy

b.

The only entrance to this area is by the stage door with itsflight of seven steps and extremely narrow doorway. Access toall other areas is by lift. All lift control buttons are toohigh and do not have raised or braille numbers.

DRESSINGS ROOMS.- All the entrance ways to all the dressingrooms are extremely difficult to manage. 3 converging doors in asingle vestibule. All fittings were too high particularly theclothes rails. Each dressing room has adjoining bathroom andshower but none of them were designed to meet the needs ofdisabled people.

CANTEEN- This would be adequate for use by disabled peoplebut the main difficulty would be the high counter.

STAGE- Access to the stage is by the lift which can stop atstage level. From the lift an extremely badly lit and unevenlysurfaced corridor has to be used to gain access to the stage.There is also the extra hazard of equipment being strewn aroundthis area.

CONCLUSION:- The Palace Theatre is a totally unsuitablevenue for an event such as "Artability". Whoever sanctioned itsuse in its present condition has shown a complete ignorance ofthe access needs of disabled people

For the City Architect

11th July 1986.