Anti-Stairs Club Lounge at the Vessel | Photo by Maria Baranova.
Artists, Disability, and our Cultural Institutions
Artists Shannon Finnegan, Jerron Herman, and actors from the DreamStreet Theater Company discuss their artistic practice in relation to museums, theaters, and other cultural spaces. The artists will share the unique opportunities and obstacles these institutions present for them and other artists with disabilities, and the changes they advocate for within the cultural landscape. Moderated by artist and disability activist, Madison Zalopany. The discussion will be followed by a reception with light refreshments, and the opportunity to connect with the artists and community members.
Artists, Disability, and our Cultural Institutions is the culminating event in a series of workshops presented by BRIC and the Museum, Arts and Culture Access Consortium (MAC) through the CreateNYC Disability Forward Fund, supported by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. The goal of the workshop series was to share strategies/best practices for inclusion and accessibility with arts and culture organizations who seek to better support community members with disabilities.
Madison Zalopany is an artist and disability activist. She currently lives in New York, NY and works as the Coordinator to Access and Community Programs at the Whitney Museum. She received her BFA in painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2011. Currently, she is participating in the 2018-2019 Art and Disability Residency.
Shannon Finnegan is a multidisciplinary artist making work about disability culture and access. She has done projects with Friends of the High Line, The Invisible Dog, and the Wassaic Project. She has spoken at the Brooklyn Museum, School for Poetic Computation, The 8th Floor, and The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library. In 2018, she received a Wynn Newhouse Award and participated in Art Beyond Sight’s Art + Disability Residency. In 2019, she is a resident at Eyebeam.
Jerron Herman is an interdisciplinary artist who’s been featured with Heidi Latsky Dance at Lincoln Center, ADF, the Whitney Museum, and abroad in Athens. He’s been a principal member of HLD since 2011. Jerron now serves on the Board of Trustees at Dance/USA. Jerron has also shot for Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, consulted for a Nike-sponsored project, and was profiled in Great Big Story. In 2018 he was a Snug Harbor PASS artist, a finalist for the inaugural Apothetae/Lark Play Development Lab Fellowship and was nominated for a Fellowship in Dance from United States Artists. His latest solos include Phys. Ed. and Relative – a crip dance party. Jerron studied at Tisch School of the Arts and graduated from The King’s College. The New York Times has called him, "...the inexhaustible Mr. Herman." www.jerronherman.com
DreamStreet Theatre Company provides education and inspiration for developmentally disabled individuals with a passion for the performing and creative arts. Our performances attempt to break down stereotypes and illustrate the profound effect art can have on life.
Accessibility
BRIC is committed to welcoming people of all abilities. The main floor of BRIC House has an accessible entrance on Rockwell Place, in addition to an accessible, all-gender bathroom. Our Artist Studio has an accessible entrance and CART will be provided.
To make a specific access request, or to let us know other ways we can provide you with a welcoming experience, please contact Nia I'man Smith at nsmith@bricartsmedia.org or (718) 683 -5986.
Venue Information:
The intimate, flexible studio space within BRIC House is dedicated to emerging and mid-career artists, with an audience capacity of 50-75 for rehearsals and performances in a workshop setting.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2022, attendees of any BRIC House programming will no longer have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter the building. Masks are encouraged but not required in all BRIC operated spaces. If you have questions regarding this protocol, please email Safety@bricartsmedia.org