Rough Trade Books Presents… is a new series of events exploring contemporary topics in an atmosphere of idea exchange, conversation, and connection. Brought to you by Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, Devon & Exeter Institution, and Rough Trade Books.
For the third event in this series, Rough Trade Books author and artist Richard Phoenix will be in conversation with Charlie Robinson and The Pelican Project members Izzy Jeffrey and Lauren Walker, discussing how the arts excludes people with disabilities & ways to be better, community & the DIY punk scene, how to achieve objectives in the arts in spite of obstacles, and privilege in the arts.
If a BSL interpreter would make this event accessible to you, please contact us and we will provide one.
Cost: Pay What You Can Afford*
Bookbag bookshop will be selling books at DEI before and after the event.
Richard Phoenix is an artist with interests concerning accessibility, inclusion, imperfection, the social model of disability, how art and music can intersect these points, remove barriers and make new forms of normal that include rather than exclude. To do this he works alone and with communities painting, making music and organising events.
Richard is currently participating in the Beeching Road Early Career Studio Programme 2022/23 with Flatland Projects, is Heart n Soul’s Associate Artist, and was a part of the Conditions Studio Programme in Croydon from 2018 - 2021. Richard was an artist-in residence within Tate’s Schools and Teachers department from 2019-2020.
Charlie Robinson
Charlie started out in Care, supporting learning-disabled adults in residential settings. He went on to teach in SEN further education colleges, where he supported individuals and families to transition from school to adult life. He specialised in sensory curriculums for young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Charlie started The Pelican Project in 2017 where he continues to work as project manager and facilitator.
Izzy Jeffery
Izzy is a member of The Pelican Project board where she has passionately advocated for learning-disabled artists. Izzy specialises in animal portraits and has seen her work in several public exhibitions. She is also a budding performer and most recently has hosted a series of inclusive open mic nights. Izzy attended a specialist school in Exeter and now lives with support from her family and a team of carers.
Lauren Walker
Lauren is passionate about Art and her favourite artist is Johannes Vermeer. She paints from her studio at home using oil on canvas. Lauren attended specialist schools in Exeter and South Devon and now lives independently. She spends time with enablers who help her with daily living skills including shopping and cooking. Lauren joined The Pelican Project in 2021, where she attends visual art, digital design and wellbeing groups. She has recently discovered a love for embroidery.
Accessibility Statement: The Institution is committed to improving its accessibility, and we welcome all visitors to our public events. However, we are transparent about the access limitations that the size, location, and historic nature of the building can occasion, and readily acknowledge that we are in a period of transition.
The main entrance to the DEI, (facing the Cathedral), has double doors, and is accessible for most wheelchairs. From this entrance there is level access to the foyer, and to the inner and outer libraries. We apologise for the current lack of lift access to the South Range rooms on the second floor.
As we are a small building, parking is limited, but a space can be pre-booked by contacting the office by phone: 01392 274727, or by email: office@devonandexeterinstitution.org. Priority will be given to blue badge holders. The side door into the inner library should be accessible for most wheelchair users reaching the DEI from the driveway, or the front entrance can be reached through the side door at the end of the driveway. Please do contact us if you have any further questions about your route into the DEI.
There are toilets on site, though the nearest fully accessible Changing Places toilet can be found in the Princesshay Shopping Centre, at the back of Nationwide.
The library is usually a quiet space, though can be louder during events. A timetable for events can be found on the website. If you require a quieter space, please ask a member of staff.
If sounded, the fire alarm makes a repeated sound of two tones, and flashing lights will go off in the reading room and the toilets. On an ordinary day, ringing phones and door buzzers might also be heard.
Lighting is soft throughout the building, and may be low in certain areas. Assistance dogs are welcome, and staff will be happy to provide water for your dog.