Shush, Snip, Rip

Shush, Snip, Rip is a new exhibition exploring the histories of Disabled people and is inspired by collections in Explore York Archives.

It takes as a starting point “irregularities” reported at the York Union Workhouse during the Victorian era and addresses current issues faced by Disabled people and their families, creating a powerful connection between the past and the present.

The exhibition at York Explore will include a visual art exhibition, installation, and immersive experience and is part of Explore York’s NPO activity programme delivering Arts Council England’s “Let’s Create” strategy.

Shush, Snip, Rip is the culmination of a year-long collaboration between disabled artists and two local organisations for Disabled people, York People First and Blueberry Academy. Together they explored York’s archive collections through the lens of Disability Arts, unearthing untold stories, and responding to them. Shush,

Snip, Rip is a dialogue across time, giving a voice to those often excluded from historical narratives and highlighting the ongoing challenges and achievements of Disabled individuals and communities.

The exhibition features work by Alfie Fox an award-winning multimedia artist, Leeds-based Pyramid Arts, artist Kerry Fox, and York community artist Stephen Lee Hodgkins.

Explore invites you to celebrate this fusion of history and art and join in in an important conversation about disability rights and representation.

Alfie Fox, Artist, said: “Art allows me to say what I can’t say in words. It gives me access to communicate. I looked at York archives from the workhouse and how people with disabilities were sent there and the words used to describe disability. A lot has changed but a lot is still the same.”

Becca Cooper, Self-Advocate and Chair of York People First, said: “It’s been good to look in the archive, to see how things were years ago for people with learning difficulties.  It does feel like history repeats itself though.  I wonder if there is sometimes an invisible workhouse at work today that continues to hold people with learning difficulties back from being fully part of society.”

Andy Pollin, Self-Advocate and Treasurer of York People First, said: “I’m glad things have changed, I have lived independently in my flat for 20 years, and not locked up in a workhouse, like I might have been back then. But things are still not easy for disabled people and their families.  More is needed to be done, especially around social care.  I hope the next government give it the attention it really needs”.

Stephen Lee Hodgkins, Artist, said: “By using a disability arts based approach, rooted in the lived experiences of Disabled people and their families, we can explore what has changed, or not, and imagine what might be needed for a brighter, more inclusive future.”

Barbara Swinn BEM, Head of Audience Development and Engagement, Explore York, said: “As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, Explore is delighted to present Shush, Snip, Rip. This exhibition showcases collaboration and the creativity of local disabled artists, and disability groups. Shush Snip Rip is a highlight of Explore’s NPO programme and shows our commitment to reducing barriers and increasing access to our archive collections. We invite everyone to explore these important stories.”

Shush, Snip, Rip is taking place at Explore York Libraries and Archives, Museum Street, York, YO1 7DS

On the following dates and times

Friday 12 July:                 10.30 am to 5.30pm

Saturday 13 July:            9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Sunday 14July:                11.30 am to 3.30 pm