The mission of the Disability Art and Culture Project is to further the artistic expression of people with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities. We view disability as a natural and valuable variation of the human form. We believe affirmative disability identity is intertwined with racial, gender, social, and economic justice. DACP accomplishes this mission by supporting the creative expression of people with disabilities. DACP utilizes the performing arts as a method of examining disability in relation to society. DACP also supports established and emerging artists, as well as the community at large, in developing knowledge and expressions of disability culture and pride.

Description

The Disability Arts and Justice Organizer will build a strong organizing program that will maintain and recruit members and develop leaders to support organizational goals. S/he will engage new participants and partners, with particular focus on reaching people of color and social justice activists. The organizer will work on media campaigns and event coordination. This position will also work with other team members on sustainability of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a plan to engage current participants and partners in expanding roles, including leadership.
• Design and implement a plan to engage new participants and partners, with particular focus on reaching people of color and social justice activists.
• Maintain and update membership/donor database.
• Participate on festival and fundraising committees, taking on planning and production tasks as needed.
• Help design and implement a media and outreach plan for a fundraiser and festival, including social media and Web design.
• Assist in grant writing.
• Organize workload and prioritize tasks to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Other duties at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of disability studies, the social model of disability, and/or disability justice.
• Understanding of the intersections of disability, race, class, gender, national origin, and queerness.
• Demonstrated ability to work in diverse groups.
• Flexibility and willingness to work nontraditional hours, some of which will be in a demanding and rapidly changing work environment. Hours will vary depending on events.
• Have computer, internet access, and the ability to work independently from home or other space.
• Demonstrated ability to express ideas clearly in both written and oral communication.
• Demonstrated ability to organize projects and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of grant writing and grant application processes. Experience in grant writing is a plus.
• Experience with social media.
• Website management experience is a plus.

Compensation

This is a contract postition 10 hours a week, for 9 months at $15 an hour. Position will start immediately after hiring.

To Apply

Email cover letter and resume with the names and contact information for 3 references to:

Artistic Director, Kathy Coleman, MSW, at kafia2008@yahoo.com.

Due January 6, 2012

Please no phone calls or questions.

Saturday, May 14^th  7pm

Sunday, May 15^th  3pm

Location: Zoomtopia 810 SE Belmont

Cost: $10.00

Bloom will feature new work, including three solos, and bring back old favorites “Purpabulous” and “Rippling Wings.”

Inclusive Arts Vibe (IAV)  Dancers:

 Rachel Esteve

Rachel is a senior at Cleveland High School and has Down syndrome. She has been an IAV dancer since 2007. Hip hop is her favorite kind of dance. She says, “Dance is my life”.

 Chloe Goss

Choe is 20 years old and has Down syndrome. She has been an IAV dancer since 2007. She feels energized when she dances. She often thinks of her favorite TV show when she dances.

 Amy Osborn

Amy is 19 years old and attends the Community Transition Program for PPS (Green Thumb).  She has been an IAV dancer since 2010.  She dances for fun and exercise. Her favorite dance is hip hop. She feels proud of herself when she performs.

 Brendon Self

Brendon  is 18 and is in the Jefferson High School Transition Program through Grant High School.   He loves the social aspect of dance and being with the other dancers. Brendon has been an IAV dancer since 2008.

 Margot Sonnenschein

Margot is 19 years old. She has been an IAV dancer since 2009. She enjoys music and dance. Margot says, “Dance makes me less stressed and it is good exercise”.

Guest performers:

 Onya LeHarding

Onya has lived in Portland for 3 years now and she loves it. She volunteers at her church feeding about 600 people. She is taking a new interest in learning Korean language. Dancing solo is what makes her happy.

Rahma Sadik

Rahma is a Muslim girl who has grown up in America. She likes poetry because it helps her express her feelings through writing. She is 17 years old.

The Disability Pride Art and Culture Festival is only a week away!

This year’s festival features disability activist Eli Clare, writing workshops, and performances by dancers and workshop participants. It will be held April 22-24 at the new Zoomtopia performance space in Southeast Portland. Click Here For Festival Details

Here’s a glimpse at some of our performers:

• “American Woman” by Mizu Desierto — Mizu is a performer, choreographer, designer and educator whose work explores the themes of personal truth and transformation through dance. Her choreography exposes the hidden, sometimes absurd and tragic aspects of life and examines issues of cultural, ecological, and feminine identity.

• “Chance Dance” by Alexis Jewell, Tiffani King, and Colleen Genuine — Tiffani, a 29 year old dancer with Cerebral Palsy, will perform her first duet with Colleen, a dancer and Pilates enthusiast who works with people with spinal cord injuries and the able-bodied. Tiffani says, “I feel so alive when I dance. I am able to vocalize through dance.”

• “Two Waters” by Eli Clare — Eli will read his poem “Two Waters” accompanied by a violinist.  Eli is a disability and queer activist and author of “The Marrow’s Telling,” a collection of poetry and prose bringing together a poet’s passion for language and an activist’s passion for social justice.

• “Silence Translated” by Alexis Jewell — Alexis is a certified DanceAbility instructor, a mixed abilities dancer, and choreographer. She has performed with DACP, Impetus Arts, and has been a guest dancer with Agnieszka Laska Dancers. Alexis is also a writer, video novice, and holistic lifestyle addict.

See something you like? Think you want to participate?

Contact the Disability Art and Culture Project at (503) 358-9085 or disabilityartculture@gmail.com.