Invisible People is a new public art trail coming to Stoke Newington this July, launching to showcase artwork by people who feel invisible, marginalized, who are disabled or have a learning disability. Art will be displayed in shopfront windows throughout Stoke Newington, with 100% of the artwork sales going to the artists.
The art trail is curated by Stoke Newington local Henny Beaumont, Artist in residence for the Institute of Learning Disabilities and Respond UK and an award-winning political cartoonist for the Guardian. Taking place from 2-10 July, the Invisible People Art Trail will see artworks, including some by Beaumont’s 21-year-old daughter Beth who has Down’s Syndrome, showcased in the windows of local shops and restaurants around Stoke Newington Church Street and High Street in a celebration of difference and talent.
“The art trail is a celebration of these people’s abilities, an opportunity to make people feel visible and for their artwork to be seen. It’s an appreciation of difference.” – Henny Beaumont
The project is being run in partnership with the SNBA and Kate Revere of social enterprise Revere the Residence, located on Church Street, where Beth works during the holidays. Revere’s daughter Piper, who is deaf and autistic, also has artwork in the Art Trail. Revere the Residence offers employment and work experience to young people with disabilities or additional needs, or to their parents.
Beaumont says: “Kate and I bonded over a sense that we both feel our daughters are a bit invisible. There is a sense that they are not part of the community – friendships are very difficult, and isolation is a real problem. It’s very difficult because people just see the disability first of all and don’t take on board all the other wonderful characteristics.”
Just 5% of adults with learning disabilities are employed. Beaumont adds: “It’s outrageously low. Beth’s college has a 65 per cent rate of employment after college – it shows what can be done. We’re trying to do something to help people make some money and be recognised.”
Invisible People, 2nd -10th July 2022, Stoke Newington, London N16
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