Big 30 concept process illustration – Artwork by Ben Connors
The award-winning creative arts charity, which believes in and supports the talent and power of people with learning disabilities, celebrated 30 years of innovation and creativity with a series of events, performances and exhibitions, with a central part of these celebrations being a commission to photograph 30 Heart n Soul participants. This is the first archive in the UK to show the cultural impact of people with learning disabilities.
It explores how disabled and non-disabled people can work together and as an archive can help build a wider picture of different communities connecting.
“It was the first time that many of the interviewees had been asked how they wanted to be seen. Many people found it a liberating experience to be working with an artist who wanted to explore who they are and how they want to be represented. The opportunity to take ownership of their identity was very empowering”. FR
Creating this approach was very much a collaborative process with Heart n Soul, through which we collectively developed a way of ‘not looking at but looking with’. The artist’s role then becoming the conduit through which the participant could express openly and honestly, how in what capacity and through what aesthetic they wished to be seen. Being heard creating, ‘Our voice, Our way‘.
“In my photo I wanted to look like a visionary. I loved the whole process of having my photo taken because I got to choose how I was photographed and how I wanted to look. This was very important to me, it made me feel like I mattered.” Ono, Heart n Soul staff member and Big 30 contributor
Deptford Library installation
Big 30 concept process illustration – Artwork by Ben Connors
The Big 30 is about people sharing pictures, stories and possibilities. It’s equally about people being open to the idea of difference. My experience working with Heart n Soul over 20 years ago has helped shape how I think about engaging with my practice. It’s also been a wonderful privilege being part of such an amazing team effort.
Robyn Steward at Deptford library installation
Deptford library installation
Terry Crew – site specific installation in Lewisham
Dean Rodney
Lilly Cook
Tilly Milburn
“At Heart n Soul, we have always striven to ensure that people are represented in the way they want to be represented. Franklyn’s wholly collaborative approach has resulted in a stunning series of portraits that beautifully capture the 30 unique personalities of our 30 Heart n Soul collaborators.” Mark Williams MBE, CEO and co-founder of Heart n Soul.