Performance poetry, films, and arts and crafts are features in an exciting event on Thursday 3 December in Warwick, celebrating the role of people with disabilities in the arts.

The event is being staged by Warwickshire Social Services and the Council of Disabled People / West Midlands Disability Arts Forum at Shire Hall, Warwick, to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons (3 December). The organisers are inviting disabled people, members of the public, councillors and social services staff to the event, which runs from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

The Council of Disabled People / West Midlands Disability Arts Forum will be presenting a performance by award winning blind performance poet and writer Michelle Taylor and screening a series of films made by disabled film makers. Some of the films were commissioned through West Midlands disability Arts Forum by the Arts Council.

There will also be an exhibition of photographs taken by disabled people in the Midlands on the International Day of Disabled Persons 1996, featuring different aspects of their lives. Visitors can also find out about a new performing arts group for disabled people being set up in the Warwick and Leamington area.

Warwickshire Social Services will be displaying art and craftwork, made by users of its day centres for people with learning or physical disabilities, and information about access and facilities for disabled people at arts venues throughout Warwickshire. Displays include a video made by users of Rugby’s Bloxham Centre and craftwork from users of the Shortwoods Centre in Dordon and Bridgeway Centre, Bedworth.

Liz Ward, of Warwickshire Social Services, said

"Arts and disability covers a wide range of issues. It’s about people with disabilities being practitioners of all the art forms which is why it’s so good to have links with the Council of Disabled People / West Midlands Disability Arts. For Social Services, it’s also about recognising the need for people with disabilities having access to arts venues across the county and to enjoy being part of the audience."

Judith Stephenson of the Council of Disabled People / West Midlands Disability Arts Forum, said

"We chose disability arts for the day as disability arts is the cultural arm of the disability movement and gives it a clear message about the oppression of disabled people through using creative media. This exhibition aims to demonstrate the changing role of disabled people in society."