Accentuate

As the Our View Core Group, much of our work is advisory and strategic, and can feel detached from the day-to-day activities happening on the ground, under the Accentuate umbrella. Underpinning the headline aim to ‘create a cultural shift’ is a myriad of creative projects. With this in mind, I have been out and about, visiting different places, projects and events to enjoy the work, and gauge the progress and possibilities throughout the South-East region.

First, a day out in Hastings with Project Manager, Camilla Brueton, sampling the Heritage Open Day particularly, and seaside delights generally. In Gosport and Hastings, Creative Landscapes have been working with local disabled people since 2009 to insure access, inclusion and visibility are built into the Open Day programs. By facilitating ‘accessible and creative approaches’, disabled people are encouraged to interact with, and impact upon their local environment and heritage. In tandem, disabled artists and organisations have undertaken workshops, residencies and exhibitions. This two-pronged approach is crucial in raising the profile and aspirations of disabled artists and non-artists alike.
Liz Porter, Disability Advisor for Hastings and Gosport, provided advice as to where Creative Landscapes had exerted their influence. Their task is huge, and until inclusion become enshrined in event management and planning, outcomes will continue to remain dependent upon prevailing local conditions. Access should not be based on goodwill, but a right of disabled people, and of benefit to all.

With the sun beating down, we were drawn to the Fisherman’s Museum by music wafting over the beach and seaside shacks. A pop-up community choir had evolved as passers-by joined the Sa Shanty Singers, in joyous renditions of lusty local tales of smuggling, drinking and the sea. Large-print song-sheets provided – simple, cheap and inclusive. We even bumped into renowned disabled artist, Penny Pepper – I never thought we’d end up singing together!

A short hop to the Stade Gallery to view the work of disabled visual artists Sally Booth and Lynn Weddle. Sally Booth’s exhibition – ‘Stade Huts and Fish and Chips’ – was a series of compositions capturing the essence of Hasting. Made from Indian Ink, pen and gouache on balsa wood, the local community and environs seeped from the work with spectacular vibrancy. Lynn Weddle’s photographs portrayed the hidden people and workers of Hastings – boatmen, fishermen and café workers were evocatively captured. Both artists had worked with local disabled groups and children, and audio description and context was provided. Just as the work brought together community and artists, so access and creativity combined beautifully too create a moving exhibition.

Cable-cars up the cliffs, miniature railways along the beach, a film screening in tanker container, fish rolls and Kentish beer were all welcome add-ons. Meandering down the A21, I couldn’t resist a trip down memory-lane, and a stop-off in Tonbridge to visit my old ‘special school’. Long since demolished, and transformed into a millionaire’s gated community. I broke in which made a change from breaking out! All memories were tarnished by the ghastly edifices swamping us, and I wondered how one community could so readily be replaced by another, and who had stood to benefit and where the money went. Answers on a postcard, please. To Hastings!