An exhibition of campaign imagery

The ADF’s launch for ‘A is for Activism’ was serendipitously timed for Northern Ireland’s day of action and, despite the public transport strike, the launch drew people out to share a glass in this exhibition of disability campaign imagery. The exhibition shows the power of the arts to create social change – and highlights disabled people’s perspective on Welfare Reform. NI’s politicians are closer to disability issues than the English MPs – this is about what has happened in England and is a timely reminder of what could happen in NI.

Drawing on a long tradition of photomontage, from John Heartfield to Peter Kennard, ‘A is for Activism’ by Brian Hilton focusses on use of the arts as a tool to create socially motivated campaign images.This show reflects a year of campaigning on disability issues and represents the voice of the disability movement in England, where Welfare Reform has had a devastating effect. The pieces shown highlight concerns about tortuous assessment processes for benefits, the need for support to live rather than assistance to die, and the end of the Independent Living Fund.

Artist Brian Hilton says: “Services and benefits are being slashed or scrapped, whilst assisted suicide legislation creeps ever closer to becoming a reality. As a disabled person with high support needs, support like the ILF enables me and other disabled people to live with choice and dignity in the community rather than locked away in a nursing home. I am not an artist, and I am unsure whether these images constitute art. However, I have design skills, imagination, the resourcefulness of a magpie and a passion for a campaign that I care deeply about. The images in this exhibition are just small elements of a wider grassroots response to what is happening.”

Chris Ledger, CEO of the Arts & Disability Forum says: “Whether it’s art or not – and personally I’d say yes, it is – the images in this exhibition have successfully drawn attention to the cause of disabled and deaf people and we are proud to present them. Sometimes only the arts can communicate the big messages! This show is particularly relevant at a time when the ADF’s membership and audiences are fearful of the changes to come as Northern Ireland takes on Welfare Reform.”

The exhibition is on view at the Arts & Disability Forum, on the wheelchair-accessible Ground Floor of Cathedral Quarter Workspaces, at 109-113 Royal Avenue in Belfast(Belfast Telegraph end, opposite the Mace shop). The gallery is open to the public from 18^th March until 23 April, from 11am to 3pm, Tuesday to Friday. BSL and audio description are available provided visitors make requests in advance. 

About Brian Hilton

The images are one aspect of wider campaigning to challenge the cruellest of cuts currently facing disabled people. The images were created to promote the campaign online, primarily through Facebook and Twitter but have also been used in the real world when disabled people have gathered together at protests.Brian Hilton says: “Although I created the images, I could not have done so without the support, guidance, ideas and encouragement from Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), Inclusion London, Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP), Not Dead Yet UK, my partner, my friends and family.