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A MANIFESTO OF DISABLED DREAMS by Pelenakeke Brown
I dream of a prolific collective of disabled artists creating work in Aotearoa. I dream of opportunities for black and brown disabled artists to bloom. I dream of a country that welcomes disabled immigrants to relocate and live in Aotearoa. I dream of an abundance of disability focused funding for disabled artists. I dream of pathways in which disabled artists are mentored by other disabled artists. I dream of having organisations and works led by disabled artists. I dream of no more diversity panels. I dream of a world with no euphemisms for disability. I dream of not having to cringe inwardly when disability is on show. I dream of not having to explain. I dream of not having to make people feel comfortable. I dream of people not having to hide their disability. I dream of no longer having to apply for funding. I dream of attending accessible theatre. I dream of a world where our labour and expertise is paid equitably. I dream of Disabled artists making art without having to compromise. I dream of a connected arts industry that gets it. I dream of a world where the disabled body is viewed as beautiful, thriving and sexy.
The binary When thinking about life and disability status, the binary that is often shared is ‘able bodied and disabled.’ Instead, I would like to offer another: ‘disabled and non-disabled.’ That actually we are on a spectrum and more
often than not we travel along this spectrum throughout our lifetimes, experiencing sickness, disability or periods of nondisability. One thing I hope that may stay after this pandemic is this idea that our bodies are always travelling on this spectrum.
