2 September 2020
Explore the stories, creativity, views and histories of disabled people.
Due to Covid19 Manchester Histories Festival delivered its first ever DigiFest this month. The celebrations included an online gallery, showcasing work by disabled artists. Ten of our artists contributed work, a mixture of film, digital photography, illustration and photographs, all linked to the themes of Celebrate, Learn and Challenge. Visit the Gallery here. We're thrilled that Venture Arts artist George Parker-Conway, was commissioned by Manchester Histories to create artwork for the festival's digital brochure and here's the front cover with a stunning portrait of Alf Morris. You can read the full brochure here.
DigiFest 2020 marked the 50-year anniversary of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (CSDPA), brought in by Alf Morris in 1970. Alf became the first minister of disabled people anywhere in the world. To celebrate Manchester Histories asked people to send short videos on how the pandemic has impacted disabled people. Six of our artists contributed.
There was a packed programme of content, all compered by multi-award winning artist Jackie Hagan. Jackie is well know for her passion when it comes to campaigning for accessibility and equality. She interviewed people live across the globe, including our very own Dominic Bennett.
You can watch Dom's interview and the whole opening night here.
#McrHistDigiFest2020
@ManchesterHistories
