![White text on a black background that reads “The Art of Disruption”, with “The Art of” on the top line and “Disruption” at the bottom. The center letters of both lines, “Art” and “rup”, are slightly detached from the letters on either side, forming a dip. The font, style, and thickness is different in each letter. The text is distorted by vertical lines that shift the position of the text slightly. In the top left corner is the DisArt logo and in the top right corner are the words “A DisArt Project”.](https://www.disartnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Art-of-Disruption-Logo-1.png)
Expressions of Black and Disabled Protest, A DisArt Project
Upcoming Event:
The Art of Disruption with Tasha Dougé, Anna Parisi, and Luciana Viegas
Project Overview
The Art of Disruption is an artist collective that explores the intersections of Black and disabled identities through visual art.
Initiation
Conceptualized in 2015 by curator Elizabeth VanArragon.
Duration
Over three years in development.
Participating Artists
28 Black and Disabled artists contributing to the project.
![Jerron, a black man with short hair and short facial hair, pictured in motion from the hips up. His left arm is held at a 90 degree angle with his arm close to his body, his fist clenched. His right arm is raised above and behind him, his hand relaxed. He is wearing a graygrey tank top and pictured in front of a wood paneled wall.](https://www.disartnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jerron_Daniel-Kim.jpeg)
"Black and disability communities represent a disruption to the assumed normatively of whiteness and health. The presence of Black and disabled bodies in public spaces in and of itself is a form of protest within the white, non-disabled structures and systems that dominate public life in the United States."
Chris Smit
Co-Founder, DisArt
Project Themes
The project is structured around four central themes, each chosen to deepen the understanding and discussion around the works. These themes not only frame the artworks but also serve as lenses through which visitors can engage with and reflect on the art, fostering an environment of growth and understanding.
Language Expansion
Exploring the power of narrative and communication in reshaping public perception and discourse around race and disability.
Self-Preservation
Highlighting the personal and communal practices that sustain individuals’ and communities’ identities and well-being.
Collaboration
Emphasizing the importance of collective effort and shared visions in the pursuit of societal change.
Continuous Becoming
Focusing on the evolving nature of identities and communities as dynamic and ever-changing processes.
Artist Participation
We welcome artists and community members to share their experiences with DisArt.
![A blue sign mounted on a wooden post in an outdoor setting with the text 'Built and Maintained for Certain Bodies' in white letters. In the background, there is an outdoor display structure with metal frames and informational panels about community, visible under a semi-cloudy sky.](https://www.disartnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Art-of-Disruption-091923-2-1024x683.jpg)
“The ‘Art of Disruption’ is not merely an exhibition. It is a testament to the power of art to challenge conventions, ignite conversations, and inspire societal change. We invite community members to join us in celebrating this transformative journey as we uncover new perspectives, forge connections, and amplify the work and unique perspectives of Black and Disabled artists.”
Le’Andra LeSeur, Creative Director, DisArt
Juried Grand Prize Winner of ArtPrize in 2018
Thank You to Our Supporters
DisArt is incredibly fortunate to have had the unwavering support of generous early adopters and donors throughout the project’s extensive research and development phase. Their invaluable contributions have propelled the initiative forward, allowing it to flourish and make a lasting impact.
![ArtPrize Logo](https://www.disartnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Artprize-1024x551.png)
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![Ford Foundation Logo](https://www.disartnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ford-Foundation.png)
![National Endowment for the Arts Logo](https://www.disartnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/National-Endowment-for-the-Arts.png)
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Excited about the ‘Art of Disruption’ and want to support its evolution and growth?
Your donation of any amount is greatly appreciated and will allow us to continue to use the power of art to challenge conventions, ignite conversations, and inspire societal change.