New Tonypandy Market Stall Challenges Perceptions of Disability in Mid Rhondda

A market stall like you’ve never seen before. Or is it the world’s smallest arts centre?  Created by Artist Chris Tally Evans, ‘14 Equal Street’ is a unique project that brings both these ideas together to challenge perceptions of disabled people in an exciting and entertaining way.  Commissioned by Pontypridd-based arts organisation Addo, Chris has been working with Mid Rhondda groups including Llwynypia Learning Curve, the Rhondda Sea Cadets, Autism Life and the Elite Employment Agency to produce new artworks, including short films, posters, installations and new writing.  These will be on show at the 14 Equal Street Market Stall in Tonypandy Market in its new temporary location in the Upper Car Park every Friday in July 2018.

Come along and look and listen to the artwork, discuss ideas with the stallholders, answer burning questions of the day and be prepared for one or two surprises and special guests.

Artist Chris Tally Evans said,

As a disabled person myself, it’s been an absolute privilege and pleasure to work with such a wide variety of lovely people in the close-knit community of Mid Rhondda and I’m really looking forward to introducing our 14 Equal Street Market Stall to the wider community in order to carry on the conversation. Remember, we’re in the market for everyone!

Addo received funding from the Community Foundation in Wales to develop an art project that challenged perceptions of disability in Mid Rhondda as part of the Fourteen Programme, which seeks to extend the reach and legacy of the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games, connecting people and communities and increasing well-being.  We felt that it was important that the project was led by a disabled person and so worked in partnership with Disability Arts Cymru, Rhondda Cynon Taff Arts Development Team and Mid Rhondda Communities First to commission a 6-month artist residency for a disabled artist.  Artist Chris Tally Evans was appointed in January and has since been working with community groups and individuals living and working in the Mid Rhondda.  ‘14 Equal Street’ market stall is the outcome of the residency and offers an opportunity for more people to get involved in discussing and challenging perceptions of disability in the area.

’14 Equal Street’ Market Stall and Artist Chris Tally Evans will be at Tonypandy’s Friday Market in its new temporary location in the Upper Car Park 10:00 – 14:00 on 13 July, 20 July & 27 July 2018.

About the #FOURTEEN Programme

The Fourteen programme extends the reach and legacy of the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games, connecting people and communities and increasing well-being. The ethos and spirit of the Fourteen initiative is community-led and seeks to increase participation in one or more of the following activities:

      • Social action and volunteering
      • Grassroots sport and physical activity
      • Cultural activity and the arts
      • Youth leadership and personal development

The Fourteen programme in Mid Rhondda is being managed by Community Foundation in Wales. Find out more here: http://www.cfiw.org.uk/eng/grants/initiatives/FOURTEEN

For more information, please contact Sarah Pace, Co-Director, Addo, sarah@addocreative.com

 

This residency opportunity is funded by the Community Foundation in Wales through the Fourteen Programme with match funding from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and The Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust and with support from Disability Arts Cymru, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council Arts Development Team and Mid Rhondda Communities First.