Exhibition
Positive and Proud
Introduction
Positive Images Through Community Arts
The Positive and Proud exhibition has been established as a celebration of the year of the disabled person. The images displayed are a reflection of the hopes and aspirations of a committed group of adults with learning disability. They represent the result of each individual's personal journey to self-awareness and self-discovery.
It is hoped that the exhibition will enlighten and challenge your understanding of learning disability and provide you with a 'positive' insight into the lives and experiences of some very 'proud' people.
The images would not have been documented if it wasn't for the courage and dedication of People First members - a huge thank you to them. Similarly, without the funding from Bridgend County Borough Council, the project would not have been possible, our thanks to them also.
The project has involved the joint working between Valley and Vale Community Arts and Bridgend People First, a charity involved in supporting people with learning disability to access their rights.
See any challenge to your own prejudices as positive; we all have the right to be proud of our identities.
Sarah Williams (Bridgend People First)
Alison McGann (Valley and Vale Community Arts)
You can visit the Positive and Proud web site and hear the poetry read by the authors here.
Panel Text
Brangwyn
STEP BACK!
WHY DO YOU STARE?
RESPECT ME,
RESPECT YOU
IF YOU DARE.
Elaine
If I were rich I'd love to travel,
and all the languages I'd unravel.
I'd go to Africa on Safari, and visit every Tom, Dick, and Harry.
Elaine and David
Love is blind
Love is cool
If you don't believe
You are a fool
Love is like a butterfly
If you don't believe
You will cry.
David
I am a celebrity,
funny and witty.
I'm sexy and ambitious,
and the girls think I'm delicious!
Hywel
Hello girls!
Like my car?
Like my phone?
Like my suit?
Here I am
Handsome, smart and cute.
Jeff
I want to go to the seaside
I want to smoke my pipe
I want to drink lager in a pub
and become very hype.
Julie Rowlands
It's a bond you can't forget
Between human being and a pet
Zoe accepts me for who I am
Just like my dear old mam.
Pamela
Through the grey it becomes clear
Purple, orange and red appear.
If one day I had a wish
I'd learn to swim just like a fish.
Julie
I don't want to be the same
In my moment of fame.
I want you to look and see
Just who is the real me.
Patricia
Look and see
What can never be
My dream to have a family
Why can't I be a bride?
Why has this been denied?
Rhodri
Look closer
What can you see?
Do you see the real me?
I am an eagle
Handsome strong and free.
Tom
Vroom! Vroom! Here I come
Me and my girl in the sun
What's the matter? Think I'm too old?
Are you kidding? I'm sexy and bold!