Event Details

The Marketplace & I: Commercial Experiences of Disability Explored through Art is coming to the Edinburgh Fringe.

The exhibition brings together artists from across the UK with different types of disability who have created works expressing their experiences of dealing with the commercial world.

Dr Leighanne Higgins, of Lancaster University Management School’s Marketing Department, has led the project, working with people living with disability and disability support groups and charities from across England and Wales.

The artists have produced photos, sculptures, paintings, poetry, music, songs and dance routines that share the commercial experiences of people with disabilities. After two years of delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they will now go on display in Edinburgh as part of the world-renowned Fringe.

Dr Higgins said: “The exhibition is about challenging perceptions of disability, making the ability of these individuals and groups more apparent. So often with disability, the focus is on what the person cannot do rather than what they can".

“The exhibition aims to prioritise ability over disability and challenge negative perceptions of disability in commercial settings.”

Eight collections are on show, including works by Piccadilly Support Services, from Lancaster, who work to provide support for people with autism, and Unique Kidz & Co, from Morecambe, who work with disabled children and young people to provide play and social activities.

The exhibition is open daily from 13-24 August 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, with tours each day at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm

Additional events during the Fringe run:

Saturday 13th August:

• 11:00 am: Launch Tour
• 2:00 pm-4:00 pm: The Marketplace and I Launch Event with special guests The Blue Badge Bunch performing their fun, family friendly and innovative The Disability Taskmaster.

Friday 19th August:

• 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: The Marketplace and I: Friday Night Fun – Pre-evening fun to get you ready for your Friday night adventures with refreshments, quizzes, Lego building and more!

Tuesday 23rd August

• 7.30 pm - 9:00 pm: The Marketplace and I: Tales from the Fringe Webinar. Can’t come to see us at the Fringe but would like to learn more about the exhibition? Join us online for this fun, free webinar Register via eventbrite

Wednesday 24th August:

• 6:00 pm: It’s a Wrap!