It’s probably not often us artists blog about their ‘day jobs’ but I am just so thrilled to be part of this really exciting creative project I had to write about it. I love what I do so much it really doesn’t feel like work at all!
The AND project is run by Leep1 a self advocacy organisation that supports around 60 members. Self advocacy is not something that should be limited to the vulnerable, but something I think we should all be more proactive in perfecting and practising. Learning to speak up for your rights, knowing your rights and being able to be heard takes confidence, skill and practice.
AND Clothes is a small creative enterprise which has had recent funding support to become fully functional. Managed by 8 adults with learning disabilities, Rob Neary ( a Leeds based artist) and I guide and mentor the team to develop skills in business, marketing, design and ultimately entrepreneurship. I have never worked with such an amazing group of creative people before and this undervalued, extremely skilled part of our community needs to have their abilities recognised and encouraged.
That’s why AND stands for #AbilitiesNotDisabilities. Our mission is to change the way the world views people with a learning disability and instead focus on what skills and influence they can bring. We want to address the lack of employment opportunities facing learning disabled adults and help instill confidence and promote wellbeing through creative practice within the group. The AND Brand was originally founded by Susan Hanley who has a real passion for art, textiles and campaigning. Susan has Down’s Syndrome but that doesn’t stop her from being one of the most influential people I have ever met. Now I have had the pleasure of working closely with Susan I know I will always admire her as a true ambassador for the LD community and the pioneering work she does.
AND Clothes not only has a strong purpose but our team also has a very unique way of working together. The mutual support and encouragement to and from each member is inspiring to be a part of. All business decisions are made as a team; there is no hierarchy, only real respect for one another, valuing each other’s skills and ideas. The original designs and artwork are made by the team members which are handed to me and Rob to convert ready for print. Some of the team focus on marketing, buying choices or excel in encouraging others. Everyone has an important and valued role to play which contributes to the strong symbiotic success of the group.
The brand currently sells hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts and will soon be selling bags too. Currently we sell our clothes at Fabrication – a social enterprise and small business incubator based in Leeds. Being part of this creative community helps support our venture further through the extra business support and learning opportunities made available to us all. It also means we get to sell our clothing range in their lovely shop in the city centre!
So far, four weeks in, the journey looks to be a promising one. Our team of 8 are raring to go and are helping to spread the #abilitiesnotdisabilities message to the world. I wish them every success to become the influencers, social entrepreneurs and success stories they deserve to be.
If you’d like to follow the AND Clothes story check out their page on Instagram @and.abilitiesnotdisabilities
Link to shop: https://www.shop.fabric-ation.co.uk/AND-Clothes