On Sunday, July 14th, participants of the week-long Disability and Ecology Performance Exchange met with UCLA community members to engage in conversation with each other.
The Disability and Ecology Performance Exchange was aimed at supporting disability-led artistic community, advocating for aesthetic perspectives informed by diverse corporeal experience. Participants gathered to share inquiry and creativity, working to tie disability wisdom to environmental justice. Organized around a participant-leadership structure, the week began with an invitation to each participant to offer a presentation/workshop/inquiry placing their creative practice in relationship to environmental issues.
The Chair of the Disability Studies program, Professor Vic Marks, opened the event with a synopsis of what types of activities and conversations participants had engaged in during the week. Participants then introduced themselves, followed by audience introductions. The floor was then opened for participants and community members to participate in and further engage in conversation with each other.
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to the wonderful DEPE participants:
Nadia Adame
Julia Watts Belser
Eli Clare
Raven Davis
Adjua Gargi Nzinga Greaves
Tebandeke Joseph
Rosemarie Garland-Thomson (RGT)
Their contributions and willingness to engage in conversation throughout the week are greatly appreciated.
We would also like to extend our thanks to the DEPE support team: Letty Bassart, Justin Gamboa, Jingqiu Guan, India Harville, Vic Marks, Aquilah Ohemeng, JJ Omelagah, and Akhila Vimal. Thank you all for making this possible!
A group of masked individuals are seated listening to a participant introduce themselves.
A group of masked individuals are seated listening to a participant introducing themselves.
A group of individuals seated in chairs around speaker Professor Vic Marks.
A group of individuals engage in lively conversation.
Two individuals, one of whom is using a wheelchair, embrace in a doorway.
DEPE participants and artists gather outside to engage in conversation
All photography done by Juan Tallo.