Abnormal: Towards a Scientific Model of Disability

Exhibition Summary: Abnormal: Towards a Scientific Model of Disability

Category: Art Exhibition & Public Discourse on Disability Studies

Curator/Developer: Ju Gosling, developed during residency at National Institute of Medical Research with Wellcome Trust funding

Exhibition Venue & Duration: Centre for Life, Newcastle; until March 25th, 2011

Core Focus: Explores how scientific and societal perceptions intersect in shaping attitudes toward disability, proposing the Scientific Model of Disability as theoretical framework

Collaborative Foundation: Conversations between artist and medical research scientists examining relationships between disability, society, science, and medicine

Associated Events: Panel discussion March 23rd (booking required): “Does Society want Science to Understand Disability or Eradicate it?”; Artist workshop March 26th, 11am-4pm (limited capacity, expandable on demand)

Intellectual Contribution: Challenges conventional biomedical models of disability by integrating scientific, social, and humanities perspectives

Jayne Sellick writes: A new and exciting exhibition is currently being held at Newcastle’s Centre for Life until March 25^th2011. ‘Abnormal: Towards a Scientific Model of Disability’ was developed by Ju Gosling as part of her residency at the National Institute of Medical Research, funded by the Wellcome Trust.

Working along side two medical research scientists, conversations explored how perceptions of science and scientists affect society’s attitude towards and treatment of disabled people.

Illustrating the relationships between disability, society, science and medicine, the exhibition was produced as a result of these conversations and addresses a further model of Disability, the Scientific Model of Disability.

There are two other events taking place in conjunction with the exhibition. The first is a discussion panel on the evening of Wednesday 23^rd March –‘Does Society want Science to Understand Disability or Eradicate it?’

**Booking is essential **

The second is a workshop with the artist on Saturday 26^th March from 11am to 4pm; however, this event is smaller. If you are particularly keen to attend, please let me know, as the organisers have offered to increase its capacity, if there is sufficient demand.