alexa dexa, Johanna Hedva, and Finnegan Shannon
November 13, 2024 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Explore how disabled and chronically ill artists can reshape our understanding of monuments in the next Monument Lab workshop, curated by Senior Project Manager and Curatorial Associate Aubree Penney.

Monument Lab defines “monument” as “a statement of power and presence in public.” This definition underscores monuments’ significant influence and visibility in our shared spaces. However, too often “public” excludes the disabled and chronically ill. Many cannot reach existing monuments due to physical and social access barriers, including inaccessible architecture; inequity of resources such as lack of time, finances, energy, and transportation; and the continuing threat of COVID-19.

The disabled constitute the largest minority group in the US, with 27% of adults living with a disability according to the National Institute of Health, and people of color and LGBTQIA+ people comprise a disproportionately large percentage of the disabled population. The absence of inclusive design and consideration in public spaces further marginalizes a significant portion of the population—on top of the inequity they encounter daily—even as a lack of representation perpetuates the erasure of disabled people in historical memory and public consciousness.

Bringing together artists whose practices contend with public-ness in light of their own lived experience with disability and chronic illness, this session will investigate how monuments can better anticipate and celebrate every body.

RSVP