A new podcast series will focus on the lives and work of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists from Nottingham. Series 2 of the Community Conversations podcast will explore the barriers that disabled creatives face, as well as looking at how disability informs their artwork.
The 4-episode series is presented by disabled artist Laura Guthrie and poet/comedian Jay Sandhu. In each episode they interview different guests. Poet Neal Pike, comedian Benny Shakes and photographer Tony Fisher are among the guests that share their stories.
Podcast host Laura Guthrie explained:
Over four episodes we explore what it is like to be a disabled artist in Nottingham. Topics include our frustrations with poor access provision, Deaf identity and finding humor in disability. I hope the podcast will give people an insight into the diverse experiences of artists in our city.
The podcast series is part of Nottingham charity City Arts’ RESIDENCE project. RESIDENCE is funded by an Arts Council England Project Grant. As well as the series, the project awarded bursaries to 5 local artists. Episode 3’s guests, artists Zoe Milner and Izzy Hollis, were both selected for a bursary. They used the funding to create artwork about Deaf identity and a theatre piece about Tourette’s Disorder.
Suzannah Bedford, Director at City Arts, said:
We are very excited to release series two of our podcast. City Arts’ role is to remove the barriers people face when trying to work or take part in the arts. We hope Community Conversations will help raise awareness of the barriers disabled artists face.
The first episode of Series 2 of Community Conversations is released on Wednesday 19th June 2023. It is available on all major podcast platforms. Find out more about the podcast.