Driving Inspiration

Driving Inspiration artwork

Part of the Inspire Mark project for London 2012

Driving Inspiration is a collaboration between disabled artists, Paralympians and disabled and non-disabled young people. It is about telling the story of the birth of the Paralympic movement at Stoke Mandeville, using part of their archive collection as well as the individual stories of Paralympians. Through assemblies, interviews and workshops, creative work of all kinds is produced and showcased locally and regionally at other Cultural Olympiad activities, local celebrations and at Paralympic and disability sporting events.

During 2009/10 the project took place across Buckinghamshire in five focus schools: Mandeville School and Buckingham Junior School in Aylesbury Vale in partnership with three other schools in Buckinghamshire: The Beaconsfield School, Cressex Community School and Heritage House School.

For 2010/11 the project is being rolled out across the South East region as part of the Accentuate programme supported by the South East's Legacy Trust with an online toolkit enabling all schools to explore the athletic inspiration through creativity and art work.

The projects include: composing music, creating new dance, creating artwork for parades and carnivals and animated films. This work will all be shared for the first time on 14th July 2011 at Mandeville School in Aylesbury which is situated next to Stoke Mandeville Stadium where the Paralympics began under the inspiration of Dr Guttmann.

The project develops disability arts practice and encourages young people to develop their personal skills whilst inspiring them to identify and fulfill their own dreams.

The project is led by AVDC in partnership with Bucks County Council and district councils of Buckinghamshire.

Date Updated: 12/04/11