UPSTART: Mayo County Council
In 1992, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 3rd December as International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which brings together individuals, businesses, community organisations and governments from every corner of the world to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions, skills and achievements of people with disabilities.
Since 2010, Mayo County Council’s arts service has actively encouraged artists, groups of people with disabilities, venues and arts organisations to come together and collaborate in the development of quality arts projects. People with disabilities, from children to older adults, have participated in projects encompassing a wide range of art-forms including painting, print-making, stained glass, sculpture, bronze casting, poetry, book binding, dance, music, drama and film making. Arts venues throughout the county have established long term relationships with local artists and groups of people with disabilities and have also played their part in the development of the UPSTART initiative.
Artistic quality is at the centre of UPSTARTand there are a growing number of artists/facilitators throughout the county gaining valuable experience of working in the area of Arts and Disability through regular engagement with groups of people with disabilities.
For further information about participants, artists, venues involved, and project case studies go to www.mayo-upstart.ie