A disabled-led arts festival, organised by national disability charity Sense, in partnership with Midland Arts Centre (MAC), took place in Birmingham this weekend (19 – 20 May), with crowds coming in to explore, play and experiment with multisensory art.
The ‘Sensibility Festival’ co-directed by Graeae Theatre Company and Stephanie Singer (BitterSuite), included a mixture of sensory experiences, guided tours and accessible activities, across two venues: MAC and TouchBase Pears. Artists Justin Wiggan, Saranjit Birdi, Lyn Cox and Becca Thomas (InterAction), led the creation of the unique arts installation, co-curated by 60 artistic advisors with sensory impairments.
Visitors were able to explore art and creativity using their senses, including the centrepiece of the festival, the ‘Sensory Labyrinth’, designed to be touched, eaten, smelt, moved and felt.
Stephanie Tyrrell, National Art Manager for Sense, said:
“The ‘Sensibility Festival’ was a hugely engaging festival, that enabled the public to explore how artists with sensory impairments can use their senses to create art. Over the three days, visitors were amazed at how they could use their senses. We hope this festival marks the beginning of people with sensory impairments, having the opportunity to be creative, to develop accessible and multisensory art in the future.”
