Heart n Soul's The Big 30
Explore learning disabled culture through the Big 30 Archive, where people tell their own stories in their own words.
By Heart n Soul
Portraits were taken by Franklyn Rodgers
Being and Growing as an Artist
It was quite a big thing for me and my owner to be able to perform our own songs, we’d never known anything like it. The important thing was that was the start... we couldn’t imagine the sort of things that we would be doing now.
- Tilley and Del the Pig
Being and Growing as an Artist
In this story our artists discuss what it’s like to be an artist at Heart n Soul. This includes some of the exciting opportunities they’ve had. They look at how their lives have changed and their hopes for the future.
Learning Disability Culture
We should be heard because we are human, we are human and we are people.
- Pino
Learning Disability Culture
In this story our Big 30 contributors reflect on the ways the organisation has shared learning disability culture with non-learning disabled people. In particular, The Beautiful Octopus Club, which was the world’s first club night run by and for people with learning disabilities.
Changes in Society
People with a learning disability are slowly breaking the glass ceiling and showing what they can do.
- Ono
Changes in Society
The Big 30 discuss what life is really like as a learning disabled person in Britain. Have things changed or does more work need to be done? They explore some of the challenges they have faced. They also talk about what society can gain through embracing people’s differences.
Challenging Stereotypes
They have just been taught that people with learning disabilities can do less than they can and it’s tragic. And every time you do something you can see the gazes of wonderment as people realise the truth.
- Mat
Challenging Stereotypes
Heart n Soul’s artists have constantly challenged stereotypes about what people with learning disabilities can do. This story looks at some of the most important achievements in their careers. This includes performing at the London Paralympics Games opening ceremony in 2012.
Heart n Soul
We’re welcome and we’re all treated as if we’re worthy, valid human beings, whoever and however we are. There’s something really unique about that.
- Catherine
Heart n Soul
The Big 30 share what it’s like to be part of Heart n Soul and how disabled and non-disabled people can work together. They also share how Heart n Soul has influenced their lives and how they make art.
Deptford
In the past 30 years, Deptford and South East London has experienced a lot of changes. The Big 30 discuss the impact Deptford has had on their lives. They talk about the recent changes happening in the area and how it is making the local community feel. Discover more here.
To see more portraits and hear more stories from the archive visit:
https://www.thebig30.com
Photographs by Franklyn Rodgers
Stories edited by Call & Response
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