Exploring the history of disability in Derby

Rights and Independence – The Story of Disability Direct explores the history of disability in Derby and the impact of the charity organisation on local people’s lives over the past 30 years. Presented as part of Disability Direct 30^th Anniversary, Rights and Independence – The Story of Disability Direct features new oral history recordings, commissioned poetry, spoken word alongside stories from the community; and takes place at two Derby venues; QUAD and Museum of Making.

An exhibition in QUAD features an interactive timeline and oral histories showcasing key events in the history of Disability Direct and disability rights over the last 30 years. Rights and Independence: The Story of Disability Direct exhibition is on display in QUAD Gallery from Friday 8^th September to Sunday 10^th September, from 12pm to 6pm. Entrance to the exhibition is free.

As part of First Fridays, Rights and Independence event at the Museum of Making includes performances of specially commissioned poems and spoken word pieces, written and performed by local disabled poets. First Fridays, Rights and Independence – The Story of Disability Direct takes place on Friday 1^st September, from 7pm to 9:30pm. Entrance is free with a suggested donation of £5.

This project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players. The two events were co produced by Disability Direct, QUAD, Derby Museums and under guidance from the East Midlands Oral History Archive.

For more information on the exhibition at QUAD, please go to this page.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

QUAD is Derby’s centre for art and film, a mixed arts venue based on the Market Place. QUAD is the city’s cultural hub with a three-screen cinema, an art gallery showing the best in contemporary visual arts, digital workshop spaces plus an award-winning Café bar. QUAD has been at the heart of Derby’s cultural scene since it opened in September in 2008 and is internationally recognised for providing quality and excellence in the Arts. QUAD delivers an exciting, innovative and diverse programme which is popular with visitors of all ages, with a reputation in Photography, digital innovation & family friendly events. The venue organises FORMAT International Photography Festival and Derby Film Festival. QUAD is a partnership between Derby City Council and Arts Council England. QUAD is open daily from 10am, for more information please visit: www.derbyquad.co.uk  http://twitter.com/derbyquad  For further information please contact QUAD’s Marketing & Audience Development Manager, Kathy Wilson on 01332 285422 / kathyw@derbyquad.co.uk