About The Conference

About the Disabilities, Arts & Sexualities Conference

The Disabilities, Arts & Sexualities Conference was a groundbreaking event dedicated to exploring the complex intersections of disability, artistic expression, and sexuality. This conference provided a vital platform for open dialogue, fostering understanding, and advocating for greater inclusivity across creative and social spaces.

Mission & Legacy

The mission of the Disabilities, Arts & Sexualities Conference was to challenge societal norms and create an inclusive environment where diverse voices could be heard and celebrated. By bringing together artists, academics, activists, and individuals with lived experiences, the conference sought to facilitate discussions that push boundaries and inspire change.

Through thought-provoking sessions and innovative performances, the conference established itself as a beacon of advocacy and empowerment. The legacy it leaves behind continues to inspire efforts toward accessibility, representation, and inclusivity within the arts and sexuality discourse.

Conference Background & History

The Disabilities, Arts & Sexualities Conference was founded to address the significant underrepresentation of disabled individuals in artistic and sexual discourse. It sought to create an inclusive platform where artists, researchers, and advocates could engage in meaningful dialogue, challenge societal norms, and promote greater accessibility and representation. Over the years, the conference evolved into a globally recognized event, attracting participants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, and fostering collaboration across various sectors.

Key Milestones

2017: The Inaugural Event – Laying the Foundation
The first Disabilities, Arts & Sexualities Conference was launched with a clear mission: to create a space where disability, artistic expression, and sexuality could be explored openly and without stigma. The event brought together pioneering voices from disability studies, the arts, and advocacy groups to discuss critical issues such as representation in media, accessibility in creative industries, and self-expression through the arts. Attendees participated in panel discussions, workshops, and artistic performances that highlighted the unique experiences of disabled individuals within these spheres. The overwhelming positive reception established the conference as a much-needed space for these conversations.

2019: Expansion to Intersectionality and Cultural Representation
Building on the success of the inaugural event, the 2019 edition of the conference expanded its scope to include intersectionality and cultural representation. This milestone marked a significant shift, emphasizing the complex interplay between disability, gender, race, and cultural identity within the arts and sexual expression. The conference featured diverse speakers from marginalized communities who shared their lived experiences and perspectives. It also introduced interactive sessions focusing on how institutions and policymakers could work to create more inclusive cultural spaces. The 2019 edition reinforced the need to consider multiple dimensions of identity when discussing disability and artistic expression.

2021: A Landmark Edition at Dublin City University
The 2021 conference, hosted by Dublin City University, was a landmark edition that saw unprecedented global participation. This event featured keynote speeches from leading scholars and activists, panel discussions with international experts, and groundbreaking workshops focused on the latest research and artistic initiatives. Topics such as digital accessibility in the arts, the role of emerging technologies in disability advocacy, and the representation of disabled identities in mainstream media were explored in depth. The hybrid format of the conference allowed for wider participation, with online access enabling attendees from different parts of the world to engage in discussions. The 2021 edition solidified the conference’s position as a premier event in the field, setting the stage for ongoing discussions beyond the physical event itself.

With each edition, the Disabilities, Arts & Sexualities Conference reinforced its commitment to fostering an environment of collaboration, respect, and progressive change. The legacy of the conference continues to influence ongoing research, policy-making, and artistic expression within the disability community.

Key Themes Explored

Throughout its history, the Disabilities, Arts & Sexualities Conference focused on a variety of critical themes, including:

  • Disability & The Arts: Exploring how individuals with disabilities contribute to and are represented in creative fields such as visual arts, music, and performance.
  • Sexuality & Identity: Addressing the unique experiences of disabled individuals in their journey of self-expression and relationships.
  • Intersectionality: Examining how factors such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status intersect with disability and artistic expression.
  • Accessibility in the Arts: Investigating barriers and solutions to creating more inclusive artistic platforms.

Notable Moments & Highlights

Over the years, the conference featured numerous highlights that resonated with attendees and the broader community:

  • Engaging keynote addresses by leading advocates and artists in the disability community.
  • Interactive workshops that provided practical insights and hands-on experiences.
  • Artistic performances that showcased the richness and diversity of disabled artists.
  • Extensive media coverage that helped bring critical issues to mainstream attention.

Testimonials from past attendees consistently praised the event for its thought-provoking content and welcoming atmosphere.

Continuing the Conversation

We aim to carry forward and continue to build awareness on this important message by providing insightful articles and resources on the relationship between disabilities, arts, and sexualities. 

Explore our blog and stay informed with expert analyses, personal stories, and in-depth explorations of key topics. Be part of the conversation that continues to shape a more inclusive world.

Get In Touch

If you have any questions or would like to contribute to our platform, please reach out to us:

Your involvement helps us continue the important work started by the Disabilities, Arts & Sexualities Conference.