City's first-ever learning disability arts festival

1 day ago

Mike Apps,BBC Portsmouthand

Katie Waple,South of England

News image — The artists have described their work as "bold, joyful and boundary-pushing"

BBC Colourful pillows designed and created by artists with learning disabilities. — The artists have described their work as "bold, joyful and boundary-pushing"

A city is hosting its first-ever learning disability arts festival, celebrating creativity, inclusion and connection.

Pivot Fest, held at visual arts charity and gallery Aspex Portsmouth in Gunwharf Quays, is showcasing the talents and voices of learning disabled artists from Friday to Sunday.

Artist Cameron Locke said the festival was a "good way" to show "what people with learning disabilities have to offer and how unique each individual is".

In 2025, the Hampshire city's council launched a bid to become the UK's city of culture, as part of a long-term vision to be rich in culture and creativity by 2040.

Pivot Fest has seen Aspex Portsmouth "transformed in a full-gallery takeover curated by This New Ground (TNG) inclusive arts committee, a powerhouse group of 13 learning disabled artists", said the festival organisers.

Artists from across the UK are taking part in performances, participatory workshops, exhibitions and silent discos, all designed with accessibility at their core.

(l-r) Cameron Locke and Emma Stallard both looking at the camera are wearing black t-shirts and are each holding a pillow which they have made. — Cameron Locke (left) and Emma Stallard said they were "very proud" of their work

Another artist, Emma Stallard, said she was "very proud" to have her work on display in the exhibition.

She said: "These are the words that I came up with.

"I felt like the outside world was dull and boring but this opportunity provided a space were I felt I was safe and comfortable. I can be who I am and feel respected."

Orlando Richardson is wearing a bright colourful t-shirt and is holding his artwork of a newspaper inspired by a person called Ray. — Orlando Richardson said he was inspired by someone else's story and wanted to share it

Orlando Richardson said his artwork was inspired by someone called Ray, who he said had spent more than 20 years living in a psychiatric hospital.

His work includes text and quotes from an interview with Ray and a flag bearing the words: "I Am A Portsmouth Thing".

Orlando said he chose the phrase because he felt it carried a "strong sense of inclusion".

Lucy Groenewoud has short blonde hair, dark eyes and is wearing a black t-shirt, in the background is a colourful board of words to help people feel accepted. — Lucy Groenewoud said people with learning disabilities need to have their voices heard

Co-director of TNG Lucy Groenewoud said many people with learning disabilities would in the past spend a lot of time in "isolation because they didn't have the opportunities to have social interactions".

She said: "We had the story of the first learning disabled couple who got married through a dating agency in Portsmouth.

"This exhibition is a response to all of these stories so that people can understand what it's like living with a learning disability.

"There is still quite a long way to go."

The festival takes place between 8 and 10 May.