A special art exhibition curated by a group of artists with learning disabilities is heading to Liverpool’s Bluecoat.

‘Auto Agents’, which enables learning disabled artists to develop a curatorial practice, opens at the arts centre later this month.

The exhibition explores what it means to be independent by making your own decisions, which comes from the curators’ personal knowledge and experiences around the continued lack of choice and control many people with learning disabilities face.

Artist’s Hannah Bellass, Tony Carroll, Diana Disley, Leah Jones and Eddie Rauer are led by Jade French for the exhibition which forms part of the AHRC funded PhD study Art as Advocacy at the University of Leeds, in collaboration with self advocacy group Halton Speak Out and Bluecoat’s own inclusive arts project Blue Room.

With support from Arts Council England, the curators have commissioned new work by The Royal Standard artists James Harper and Mark Simmonds.

Speaking on the exhibtion, Jade says: “Reimagining the curatorial process to make it accessible for learning disabled people has had fascinating implications on how the work in Auto Agents has developed.

“What has emerged is a participatory approach to curatorship based on shared experience rather than a prerequisite knowledge about the arts.”

Auto Agents will take place at Bluecoat from 26 November 2016 – 15 January 2017 – entrance is free.

Related posts:

Full programme for city-wide Shakespeare tribute Art gallery and studio to celebrate 10th year in Liverpool Veterans’ artwork to go on display in city LightNight Liverpool highlight: Liverpool Biennial presents duo of new artworks Interactive WWI art exhibition heading to Liverpool waterfront Iconic sculpture returns to Bluecoat as part of 300th anniversary finale