Events Programme
Join us at York Explore during York Disability Week 2025 for “A Census of Disability Joy” — a new exhibition by local Disabled artists, following on from last year’s acclaimed show, Shush, Snip, Rip.
In addition to the exhibition, we’ll be hosting a special talk: “Stephen Unwin – Beautiful Lives.” Acclaimed playwright and director Stephen Unwin will share insights from his powerful book Beautiful Lives: How We Got Learning Disabilities So Wrong, praised by The Guardian as “a landmark book.”
We’ll also showcase works from the 11th year of the Eleanor Worthington Prize, featuring art students from Italy, the UK and Ireland.
At Clifton Explore we are hosting a fun, creative workshop for adults with learning disabilities, all about self-advocacy and confidence. The session will be hosted by York Advocacy and local artist Stephen Lee Hodgkins.
For more details about these events and the full programme, see below.
#YorkDisabilityWeek25, #YDW2025, #LetsCreate, #ExploreTogether
A Census of Disability Joy:
A Disability Arts Showcase inspired by Explore York Archives
Friday 28 November – Sunday 30 November
York Explore Library and Archive, Library Square, YO1 7DS
Histories of disability stretch far back, because it is a deeply human experience. How we understand it changes with the records we keep and the stories we tell.
Inspired by collections in Explore York Archives, this exhibition explores how disability was represented in census and other records from the 1800s. Created by a York collective of disability artists, the exhibition reclaims and reworks these archival representations to assert a vision of ‘disability joy’ today.
Dates & Times:
- Friday 28th November, 10:30am – 5:30pm
- Saturday 29th November, 9:30am – 4:30pm
- Sunday 30th November, 11:30am – 3:30pm
Free event. No need to book. Just turn up.
Stephen Unwin: Beautiful Lives – How We Got Learning Disabilities So Wrong
Friday 5th December 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Marriott Room, York Explore Library and Archive, Library Square, YO1 7DS
Playwright and director Stephen Unwin comes to York to discuss his book Beautiful Lives – How We Got Learning Disabilities So Wrong, acclaimed as “a landmark book” by The Guardian. Stephen explores the history of misunderstanding and marginalisation faced by people with learning disabilities, and shares his own experience as the father of a profoundly disabled son.
This promises to be a moving, thought-provoking talk celebrating every human life, and a call to see the world differently.
About Stephen Unwin:
Stephen Unwin is a leading UK theatre and opera director, founder of English Touring Theatre, and a passionate advocate for the rights and dignity of people with learning disabilities.
Free event with BSL interpreter.
Book your free ticket in advance here.
Eleanor Worthington Prize – 11th Year: Disability and Self-Fulfilment
Friday 28 November – Friday 30 January
York Explore Library and Archive, Library Square, YO1 7DS
A selection of works submitted for the 2024 Eleanor Worthington Prize, open to tertiary-level art school students in Italy, the UK, and Ireland. The Prize seeks to raise awareness of disability, particularly among young people.
It encourages reflection on social inclusion and the role of creativity in shaping a more inclusive society.
Accessibility at York Explore
- Step free access
- Wheelchair accessible toilets
- Accessible parking for 2 vehicles and check for more spaces at Blue Badge Parking in York.
- See also https://www.accessable.co.uk/city-of-york-council/access-guides/york-explore-library
This is Me – Bold. Bright. Heard.
Tuesday 2 December 10:30am – 12:30pm
Clifton Explore Library, Rawcliffe Dr, York YO30 6NS
‘This is Me’ is a fun, creative workshop for adults with learning disabilities, all about self-advocacy and confidence. We’ll use doodles, colours, and words to talk about ourselves and our voices. A space to share, create, and be heard – in your own way!
Free event. To book or find out more, contact Annabel:
Email: annabel.martin@yorkadvocacy.org.uk Phone: 07706 691473
Need help with travel costs? Please talk to Annabel.
Access at Clifton Explore
- Step-free access
- Wheelchair accessible toilets
- Blue Badge parking
- See also https://www.accessable.co.uk/city-of-york-council/access-guides/clifton-explore-library
You can find out what else is happening across York for York Disability Week 2025 by picking up a printed copy of the programme from any Explore library or a YDW25 participating organisation. Alternatively, you can download an electronic copy of the YDW25 programme.
#YorkDisabilityWeek25, #YDW2025, #LetsCreate, #ExploreTogether
Explore York is a National Portfolio Organisation (NPOs) designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.
Explore York’s NPO programme for 2023 – 26 aims to deliver creative and cultural activities inspired by the nationally significant Explore York Archives collections.
