Artists in Times of Upheaval: Threats to Disabled Leadership

Multi-disciplinary artist and cultural leader Christopher Samuel sits down with writer, artist, and activist Jess Thom to discuss the current challenges facing Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent cultural leaders
 
What impacts are Access to Work reforms having on the viability of disabled leadership in the arts and creative industries? What does it mean to create work under the threat of governments hostile to disabled people? What do current media narratives tell us about the importance of disabled-led storytelling?
 
Christopher Samuel is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice is rooted in identity and disability politics. Often echoing the many facets of his own lived experience as a Black disabled man, his work tells stories, highlighting the often-unseen experiences of his day-to-day life and those of others in similar circumstances. His practice includes small, detailed ink drawings, film, print, audio, research, and large installations. Samuel also works alongside galleries, museums, archives and other institutions to address missing representation in our cultural spaces.
Writer, artist and activist, Jess Thom co-founded Touretteshero in 2010 as a creative response to her experience of living with Tourettes Syndrome. Jess campaigns for disability rights and social justice and is on a mission to change the world ‘one tic at a time.’ A multi-award-winning BAFTA nominated performer, Jess has toured the world with sell out stage shows, stand-up comedy, keynotes speeches and public appearances. Touretteshero is a proudly disabled-led organisation with an established reputation for creativity and making change across sectors. Jess frequently contributes to academic papers, interviews, and podcasts, to remove barriers and push for greater equality.
 
Photo from Balmy Army, as part of Manchester International Festival 2023.