Please support the Shadowlight Artists by voting for them in the 2016 National Diversity Awards
https://nominate.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/Nominate/Endorse/29982
Nominations close June 20th 2016! See below for some of the nominations we have in!
Friday, June 3, 2016 – “It is really inspiring to see not only the brilliant pieces created by Shadowlight artists, but equally what it means to them to see those pieces produced with such care, quality and impact. We all need a voice, and to be able to share in the dialogue that surrounds our lives, but it can be difficult for adults with learning difficulties to find platforms to engage. Film Oxford enables them to express themselves in the most amazing ways, in professional contexts, and to broad audiences. I have laughed, cried, thought hard and felt challenged by the pieces that I have seen, using film, theatre, dance and visual arts. Most of all I have felt a great sense of shared connection, and that most of all is why Shadowlight Artists deserves this nomination. ”
Thursday, June 2, 2016 – “The Shadowlight artists are an inspirational group of talented artists who individually and collectively are committed to making their artwork and sharing it with the wider community. There are not enough groups dedicated to supporting practicing artists with learning and physical disabilities and this group provides established and emerging artists with a platform to showcase their talent and make their diverse voices heard. I give my vote in support for the Shadowlight artists to be recognised for their past achievements and future ones yet to come!” ”
Wednesday, June 1, 2016 – “Having supported Abul Kasem (who attends Albion House Day Service in Oxford where I work) in one of workshops provided I was very impressed with the professionalism and knowledge the group had. To watch the full process from the shooting of film right through editing was very interesting and I hope the group get their deserved recognition with an award.”
Tuesday, May 31, 2016 – “The Shadowlight artists are very talented individuals dedicated to art making and making people happy with their art. For this they are a real inspiration and I think their achievements should be recognized and celebrated!”
Friday, May 27, 2016 – “They are the most amazing eclectic and talented group of artists. ”
Friday, May 27, 2016 – “There are so few professional groups for developing skills for people with learning disabilities and difficulties. Too often it is forgotten that we in the arts and film world can also learn so much from people who look at the world in a different way. The Shadowlight Artists bring so much to the community and the art world in general. Art and film often transcends language. They offer a mirror to hold up to society and enable us to take a walk into the unknown. I hope this group is truly recognized for the amazing work they do, it is wonderfully refreshing to attend a workshop run by a Shadowlight Artist, if nothing else they cut through a great deal of BS. ”
Friday, May 27, 2016 – “I’ve seen some of the work they do and it’s great to see them taking the opportunity to showcase what they can do and they’re all amazing artists.”
Friday, May 27, 2016 – “An amazing opportunity for these people to feel involved and to have a passion about something. To be able to have a way of expressing themselves and being creative is really important. ”
Friday, May 27, 2016 – “I first started working as a Volunteer as work experience as part of my degree course a couple of years ago as a support worker for the Shadowlight Artists. They all have their different disabilities but also have their own ideas for both their own individual work and when there are group projects. They use their skills and share what they do with others on workshops with others who have learning disabilities as well. Although sometimes technical support is needed and some guidance if they are learning new skills they are still willing to welcome and share what they learn too. They also welcomed my son on some workshops and have welcomed him as an equal and encouraged him with his creative abilities. He has Asperger’s. How he has been welcomed has given him some hope after feeling let down by school and college. Last year I graduated but I continue to volunteer with the Shadowlights as I find it rewarding to be part of given them the opportunity to step up to the tasks they have all been working hard to share what they can all do via the work that will be shown at Cornerstone, Didcot and Modern Art Oxford later this year because too often people do not realise just how creative people with learning needs can be. They are great advocates to inspire others if more opportunities were available in more areas to allow others to express themselves creatively. Having lived with CFS/ME for a number of years whilst I raised my children as a single parent I have had to achieve the degree in Fine Art and Film the long way as part-time mature student and I still have limitations to what I can do but aside from the parenting the volunteering I have done and will continue to do is what I do to share what I learned. I may not get to show and exhibit much and may not do so well as my peers that graduated at the same time but through my own condition I learned to be open to people who have more extreme disabilities to live with and it is beautiful and inspiring to see the Shadowlight Artists work and what they achieve. I feel they deserve the award.”
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 – “For all the reasons below! The Shadowlight Artists are brilliantly talented and deserve to be recognised for this talent. They face numerous obstacles as people with learning disabilities trying to make it in the Arts, but they do not let any of these act as a barrier to what they do.”
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 – “Everyone has a unique sensory experience in the presence of art. Through being creative we can share what it means to each of us to be human, this is an invaluable gift. Someone who is unique can use creativity to express a part of themselves and give me a deeper understanding of their individuality, this enriches my existence and I seek out these treasured moments. I am voting for this organisation because I believe in Danny and any of his friends and I have been lucky enough to see some of Danny’s art. Thank you very much ”
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 – “This charity give a voice to those who’s voices often go unheard ! ”
Saturday, May 21, 2016 – “I am voting for the Shadowlights because I believe they provide a dynamic, creative and friendly environment for adults with learning disabilities in Oxford. All too often attention can be focused on developing the talents of younger people, and as a result older people are often overlooked. The Shadowlights provides the opportunity for adults to develop their creative talents, and only assisted by non group members, to produce creative works covering many disciplines – from photography, filmmaking, animation, poetry, and drama to theatre productions. All of which are they themselves remain in control of, which is a great testament to them, and their desire to create. These created works are also put into the public domain through the internet, displays, festivals and installations in museums – locally, nationally and internationally. This not only raises the profile of the Shadowlights themselves, but also clearly demonstrates what other people in a similar situation can achieve with a little help and guidance. And this i think is very commendable.”
Saturday, May 21, 2016 – “My name is Lucy Skuce. I am a member of the shadow light artist. The groups has added value to my life as i get a chance to express my talents in photografic and filming i look forward to the next meeting to meet my friends and share our activities from the last meetings.”
There are many more films on Shadowlight Artists Youtube Channel
Please like our Facebook page too https://www.facebook.com/shadowlightartists/
