EDN Carte Blanche Artist Exchange _ “What Makes You Disabled?”

a project by Lavanderia a Vapore
in collaboration with EDN and Al.Di.Qua. Artists

Our body is not the problem, nor our physical, motor, sensory, neurological, cognitive abilities. We can no longer accept that our bodies, our histories, our changing identities are reported and flattened under a single convenient medical-scientific term. We are not talking about disabilities, but about Disabling Experiences imposed by a society built on a model that only benefits the western, male, white, able, healthy, cisgender and straight human being. (Al.Di.Qua. Artists, Manifesto)

Lavanderia a Vapore is hosting a 4-day exchange of artistic practices, led by disabled artists collective Al.Di.Qua in Collegno (Turin), Italy, from 22 to 25 May 2023. Artists, choreographers and other dance professionals are invited to join a 4-day collective and collaborative exploration of disabling conditions and systemic barriers set by prevailing ableism in contemporary dance. The EDN Carte Blanche Artist Exchange is mediated and facilitated by disabled artists collective Al.Di.Qua and hosted by Lavanderia a Vapore in Collegno (Turin), Italy, from 22 to 25 May 2023. Inspired by Al.Di.Qua’s manifesto, the participants are invited to open a space of possibilities and sow new visions, expand the imaginary relating to disability, grow new skills and raise awareness to generate structural changes and promote greater leadership by people with disabilities and a greater equity for all.

PROGRAMME

May 22nd
3.00 pm – 3.30 pm: check in
3.30 pm  – 6.00 pm: Access agreement. The need as a meeting space curated by Eugenia Coscarella (community dramaturg, researcher in body and writing practice) and Kadri Sirel (artistic researcher in performance documentation)/Lavanderia a Vapore, in conversation with Stefania Di Paolo (researcher, curator, disability advocate, founder TalkwithDance)

What do I need to be comfortable here? Through physical and writing practices, the workshop unfolds the theme of need as a place where to meet ourselves and others. Listening, silence, looking, dialogue in an intimate and collective space will be tools to let our needs emerge and position in the space: we are going to formulate a group access agreement that can accompany us during Carte Blanche.

6.00 pm – 6.30 pm: check out moderated by Diana Anselmo (performer and activist)

May 23rd
10.00 am – 10.30 am: check in
10.30 am – 1.00 pm: Eyes and hands by Daniel Bongioanni (deaf artist and Italian Sign Language teacher) and Nikita Lymar (performer)

Through visual perception, the workshop allows a reflection on the use of the eyes, facial expressions and hands. This will increase our awareness of the many possibilities of expression in many areas: from everyday life, to sign language, art, theatre and much more.

10.30 am – 1.00 pm: Times, spaces, communication: accessibility is a journey with Elia Zeno Covolan (transmasc non-binary, neurodivergent visual designer and illustrator with chronic illness and disability)

This workshop explores the importance of accessibility in cultural venues such as festivals, theatre performances and other events. In particular, it focuses on the relationship between accessibility, times, spaces and communication and how these factors can affect the ability of neurodivergent people with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities to fully participate in cultural experiences.

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Lunch break
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm: practice sharing on tasks
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm: check out moderated by Diana Anselmo (performer and activist)

May 24th
10.00 am – 10.30 am: check in 
10.30 am – 1.00 pm: Multiply perception by Marta Olivieri (author and performer)

The workshop shares the encounter between the performance work curated by Marta Olivieri and the audio-description practices created by Camilla Guarino and Giuseppe Comuniello. The collaboration between the three authors generated an interest in the multiplication of perception. Within the workshop, they will bring a practical introduction of the work done during the residence for the creation of Trespass_ Tales of the Unexpected.  

10.30 am – 1.00 pm: Eyes and hands by Daniel Bongioanni (deaf artist and Italian Sign Language teacher) and Nikita Lymar (performer)

Through visual perception, the workshop allows a reflection on the use of the eyes, facial expressions and hands. This will increase our awareness of the many possibilities of expression in many areas: from everyday life, to sign language, art, theatre and much more.  

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Lunch break
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm: practice sharing on tasks 
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm: check out moderated by Flavia Dalila D’Amico (performing arts curator, video maker and editor)

May 25th
10.00 am – 10.30 am: check in
10.30 am – 1.00 pm: Multiply perception by Marta Olivieri (author and performer)

The workshop shares the encounter between the performance work curated by Marta Olivieri and the audio-description practices created by Camilla Guarino and Giuseppe Comuniello. The collaboration between the three authors has generated an interest in the multiplication of perception. Within the workshop they will bring a practical introduction of the work done during the residency for the creation of Trespass_ Tales of the Unexpected.

10.30 am – 1.00 pm: Times, spaces, communication: accessibility is a journey with Elia Zeno Covolan (transmasc non-binary, neurodivergent visual designer and illustrator with chronic illness and disability)

This workshop explore the importance of accessibility in cultural venues such as festivals, theatre performances and other events. In particular, it focuses on the relationship between accessibility, times, spaces and communication and how these factors can affect the ability of neurodivergent people with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities to fully participate in cultural experiences.

1.00 pm – 3:00 pm: Lunch break
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm: practice sharing on tasks
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm: check out moderated by Flavia Dalila D’Amico (performing arts curator, video maker and editor)