Living Otherwise

Abstract

This chapter tracks the histories and everyday practices of disability arts activists. The authors explored projects created by people with diverse bodyminds across an array of genres, producing new cultural imaginaries centered on disability experiences and aesthetics, reframing the concept of artistry itself. The disability art world ranges from community theater and poetry readings in neighborhood libraries to disability arts boot camps at cultural institutions such as the Whitney Museum and the Gibney Performing Arts Center, dance at Lincoln Center, the Shed, the High Line, and Broadway performances. Their research preceded and coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, when many activities shifted online, creating unexpected challenges and opportunities in the disability arts world. They met with and interviewed artists and activists, attended workshops, rehearsals, performances, and exhibits, and organized events at their university, learning again and again how participation in the arts offered new opportunities, resources, and models for living otherwise.