Moving Portraits - What does it mean to be me? 2022 -

Immersive video installation capturing the lived experiences of people with complex disabilities. This project presents a series of portraits that are translated by combining cinematography, choreography, sound composition, audio description and vibration technology to create a multi sensory, immersive experience. Funded by Arts Council England in celebration of the Commonwealth Games 2022.

The portraits captured dance sequences from primary and higher education complex disabled dancers, alongside older people and an emerging artist who all interpreted the theme “What it is like being me”.

The work culminated in a video Installation at Birmingham Rep 17th-18th September 2022, where audiences of all abilities could experience dancefilm through, sound, audio description, visuals and wearable technology - subpacks. The primary aim for the installation was to provide an accessible space for complex disabled audiences to engage with dance, film and stories that reflect their lived experinces.

This innovative work was screened at BFI Southbank ‘Busting the Bias’ inclusive film Festival, nominated for 2023 Royal Television Society, ‘Diversity Champion’ Award and won Best ‘Digital Inclusion’ Award by Digital Culture Network.

Image credit: Anastasia Jobson