Tate Liverpool
Thursday 26 November 2009
On Thursday 26 November Tate Liverpool will be transported to the 1970s with a psychedelic event by and for adults with a learning disability and anyone who loves disco. Inspired by the silent disco dancefloor gallery space by Wayne Hemingway and his son Jack, currently on display as part of DLA Piper Series: This is Sculpture, Magic Mirror Ball is an arty party where fancy dress is a must. This event is part of In the Frame, a project run by people with a learning disability, and hosted by Tate Liverpool for DaDaFest International 2009.
Tate Liverpool is transformed into a boogie wonderland for one night only, complete with art activities, live magic and much more. Miss Sabs & Our Greg, DJs direct from Manchester’s famous Frogtastic (one of the UK’s best known premier club night’s for people with a learning difficulty), will perform throughout the event. Angel guides will be on-hand to welcome visitors and the Tate Liverpool foyer will be packed with craft activities. While getting down to the sounds of the 70s try your hand at activities such as mask-making and face painting to add some extra flair to your outfit.
Throughout the evening Venture Arts will be creating a giant art installation in the form of a glittery 3-D mirror ball. Visitors can drop-in throughout the night, decorate their own square and add it to the mirror ball. The Tate Liverpool Café becomes a cabaret space, with a special 70s themed snack menu and cocktails. Strut your funky stuff to interactive disco dance performances by Merseyside Dance Initiative, singalong to 70s tunes and be entertained by magician Paul Dabek.
Sculpture Remixed the gallery space co-curated by Wayne Hemingway and Son for DLA Piper Series: This is Sculpture, will be open throughout the evening. Visitors can pick up their silent disco headphones at the door and take to the light-up disco dancefloor to dance alongside world-class art from the Tate Collection. Wind-down from the evening’s exertions in the relaxation room: enjoy the tranquil sounds of the sea while enjoying a massage in a space decorated with 70s inspired sculptures created by Beaumont College.
In the Frame was initiated by Tate Liverpool and Mencap in 2006 and, following a series of successful projects, the group of 10 adults with a learning disability highlighted the need for a nightclub in the evening that their peers could attend. Recognising the value of the arts to people with a learning disability, and the need for independence, the group set about designing and running their own event bringing together music, art and much more. Six months in the making Magic Mirror Ball is a celebration of people with a learning disability and what they can achieve.
DaDaFest celebrates disability and Deaf arts held in Liverpool. Visit the www.dadahello.comfor more information. This event has also been developed with the support of Access to Heritage and Mencap Liverpool.
Ruth Gould, CEO of DaDa-Disability & Deaf Arts said:
“We are delighted to be working with Tate Liverpool and to have Magic Mirror Ball as a DaDaFest event. This is an essential night out for learning disabled communities and also engages those communities with the arts as well as encouraging independence. This is one of the factors at the heart of DaDa Disability & Deaf Arts and one of the reasons why DaDaFest exists. DaDaFest 2009 is packed with exhibitions, seminars, performances and events that will enlighten, engage and educate the public as well as raising awareness. This is just one of the events that best highlights our message as well as providing an unforgettable arts experience.”