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A conversation with Bart Vulliamy:
What inspired you to organize a disabled-artist-only art show?
I am a disabled artist. I had continually been let down with how inaccessible art shows, art markets, and galleries are still inaccessible to the majority of disabled artists, financially and physically
The last three trips I went on were to culturally and artistically rich cities – Paris, Montreal, and San Francisco. I began reflecting on what I loved about those cities, and what I thought Vancouver was missing, from a disabled artists point of view. Vancouver’s rich cultural hubs have been diminishing in favour of expensive coffee shops and car dealerships.
The first Disabled and Disorderly art show: April 25, 2025, Cross and Crows 2836 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. It will be open for one month. The opening night was also an open mic poetry night. Tickets were $5.00 at the door and monies went directly to Cross and Crows books.
How do you define “disabled artist,” and what criteria did you use for participation in the show?
The artists involved identify as disabled, mentally ill, and/or neurodivergent. The theme of the series is counterculture and protest art. Counterculture art reflects an artist’s cultural beliefs by challenging societal norms and expressing dissenting views. Artists must use their artworks to critique mainstream culture, politics, and social issues, especially within the realm of disability.
Did you encounter any challenges while planning this event?
Accessible venues! People in wheelchairs should be able to go through the front door without struggle, or to the bathroom without issue.
How do you think this show will benefit the local art community and disabled artists in particular?
I very much see it as community building in a time where community is needed. The American government just declared war and gutted DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) which ensured that people with disabilities have equal opportunities and are valued in all areas of society, including education, work, and social engagement. Disabled people know, and have always known, that we cannot rely on the government for help. We are always the first minority to be cast aside anytime there’s a crisis.
Can you talk about any specific artwork that featured in the show?
MORE TRANS JOY by Goldbard is one of the pieces. Joy and rest are both acts of resistance in our economic system that prioritizes profit and productivity, and with the threats from the government to undo trans rights, it couldn’t be more direct.
How do you envision the audience responding to the art presented in this exhibition during this month?
I hope the people in attendance take their interests in disabled artists and protest art and carry it with them. Disability justice is asking the question whether the goal is having a seat at the table, or recognizing that the table is broken and needs to be rebuilt entirely.
What role do you think art plays in advocating for disability rights and awareness?
It’s huge, but I think it’s weird that it’s always left out of the protest art discussions. I have collected a sizable amount of protest art books, and not one of them has a section or a paragraph on disabled artists. Protest art has always been important in society, from graffiti to advertisements. It’s a sign of a healthy society, or rather, an unhealthy one.
With the Disabled and Disorderly shows, I want it to be focused on how awful disabled people are still treated and stigmatized. Many of us have the proverbial boot to our necks, especially financially. 1.5 million disabled people (that we know of, and that are approved for PWD) are below the poverty line in Canada.
Are there any specific accommodations or support systems in place for visitors with disabilities during the show?
The venue is mask mandatory and wheelchair accessible. I am still trying to find other venues that are like this.
What lasting impact do you hope this exhibition will have on the broader art landscape?
Ideally, I want other galleries, venues, and business leaders to change how they do and see things. I also hope that non-disabled people also start noticing where there needs to be change.
