Shape Open 2019

The Shape Open 2019 exhibition explores the theme ‘In Circles’ in the context of disability. Disabled and non-disabled artists were invited to submit work for Shape Arts’ seventh annual Open exhibition that ignites debate and discussion on disability from a wide range of viewpoints.
The barriers that disabled artists face within the art world can be substantial, and the frustration that artists feel is exacerbated by a lack of access to and into the arts. Success within the sector is often reliant on being present and visible, not only excluding disabled artists’ from arts’ institutional structures but also from critical debate and conversations.
This year’s exhibition theme ‘In Circles’ questions whether progress for disabled artists is being and can be made within the arts, if our work is counterproductive and a circular argument, or if we can shift institutional thinking. 
The exhibition showcases work across a wide range of art forms from artists around the world. 
A winning artist, selected by a small panel including Shape Open Patron – Yinka Shonibare CBE, will be awarded £1,000 at the Private View; a second artist will receive the People’s Choice Award of £250, as voted for by attendees of the Open throughout its duration. The People’s Choice Award is kindly supported by Crucial Colour Ltd, part of L&S Printing Co Ltd in Worthing, West Sussex.
Shape Arts is a disability-led arts organisation which works to improve access to culture for disabled people by providing opportunities for disabled artists, training cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and through running participatory arts and development programmes. 
For more information, please contact the Marketing team at Shape: marketing@shapearts.org.uk or +44 (0) 207 424 7351
Image: ‘Adid’nt know any disabled artists’ by Bella Milroy
 
Access Information
Nunnery Gallery has step-free access throughout from street level, including to the accessible toilet, and is service animal friendly. This venue does not have a hearing loop system.
Accessible parking is not available on-site but blue badge parking can be found 500m away on Fairfield Road.
If you have any questions regarding accessibility at this venue or event, would like to make us aware of any access requirements that you have in advance of visiting, or would like this information in an alternate format including Easy Read, please email nunnery@bowarts.com or call 020 8980 7774 (Ext. 3)
Travel Information
Opening hours: Tues-Sun, 10am to 5pm
Address: Nunnery Gallery, 181 Bow Road, London, E3 2SJ
Nearest station(s): Bow Road (District and Hammersmith and City lines) is a 6-minute walk away, and Bow Church (DLR) is a 3-minute walk away.
Bus: 205, 25, 425, A8, D8, 108, 276, 488 and 8 all service the surrounding area.