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plz stnd by - perceptual difficulties is an exhibition of multimedia work by artists with developmental and other disabilities who have historically been excluded from mainstream media. This work created in the Media Lab is informed by work created in our other studios, but with the introduction of time as yet another flexible medium in the artists’ hands. Many of these artists have a natural proclivity for bricolage; multiple and seemingly disparate sources are culled, reinterpreted and combined in ways that foster contemporary connectivity. While at the same time the resulting work is completely original, bearing the unmistakable hand print of the artist. The work between artists and facilitator often begins with a topic or theme that the artists express interest in examining.

Our processes can act as a continuant on a familiar trajectory, or a single image or sound can unlock the creation of a new narrative. Our actions in the Media Lab act to further develop and reinterpret the narrative by providing the artists with a completely new set of tools, facilitating a broader understanding of how far they can stretch their ideas. Sources for these works include their own photography, drawings, video footage, recorded sound, found and manipulated images. Many artists have created meaningful narratives with definite heroes and villains of their own making, while others respond to rhythmic patterns created by linking series of drawings with waves of sound to create abstract sequences. Performance, costume design and issues of site are engaged when they include their own video footage as a component. The artists act as creative producers, directors and actors in their own performances documented through the medium of video.

Fostering this kind of autonomy maintains and furthers the historic directive of the media program. For over 20 years the media program that Little City Foundation pioneered has asserted that the participants are more than just workers behind the scenes. Through programs such as Project VITAL, individuals were given the training and technology which allowed them to produce award winning cable access television programs such as The Kiss My TV Show (excerpt).

The proliferation of new digital media technologies however, mandates the learning of new skills, and understanding the changing models of how information is viewed and presented. The Media Lab allows the artists an opportunity to interject their ideas, concerns and creativity into these new media models. It opens new creative avenues of expression for artists with developmental disabilities. The directive of The Media Lab is for the artists to be active members of the global virtual community, and become confident producers of their unique digital vision.

Brian Dortmund
John Grod
Kerry Hagy
Jennifer Mannebach

July 2009