July 2015

Media release

Re-Imagining youth and disability in Parliament

Yes Disability Resource Centre and The Cube collective impact agency are challenging perceptions surrounding young people with disabilities, through a progressive exhibition on display at Bowen House, in Parliament’s exhibition space.

The exhibition, titled “Re-Imagine” recreates a series of iconic album covers with young people involved with The Cube taking the place of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Lorde and more. The photographs don’t demonstrate their subject’s disabilities, rather encouraging the viewer to see the person that exists outside of these.

Minister for Disability Issues, Hon Nicky Wagner, invited The Cube to display the exhibition at Parliament after she attended its initial display in Auckland in May. This bodes well with The Cube’s aim of reframing the youth and disability sectors. The Cube are delighted that Minister Wagner is hosting the exhibition at Parliament and are looking forward to the outcome of showcasing their work to New Zealand’s lead decision-makers and the wider Wellington audience.

The first successful iteration of a collective impact agency in New Zealand, The Cube was developed by Yes Disability Resource Centre and works with a number of partners to ensure young people with disabilities are provided with the best services, opportunities and experiences possible. This year, The Cube are challenging perceptions of youth and disability.“Re-Imagine is about change,” says Catherine Cooper, National Curator of The Cube. “It recognises young people with disabilities for who they are, rather than defining them by their disability, and bridges a gap between the creative and social industries and the disability community.”

‘By youth, for youth’, The Cube is co-governed by a Youth Engagement Group (YEG), who are at the forefront of the agency’s decision making, ensuring all programmes cater to and further the interests of their peers. Keeping youth at the forefront of their decision-making and service delivery, Re-Imagine was entirely developed by young people, with support from local artists, including Calypso Paoli Photography, Kingsize Studios, French Revolver Studio and Waitemata Local Board.

“Young people with disabilities don’t want to be pitied, they want to be empowered,” says Kramer Hoeflich, YEG Chairperson. “The sector has come further than simply offering praise for doing things that able-bodied people do. We’re challenging both ourselves and others to expect more, do more and celebrate our successes.”

Re-Imagine aims to start new conversations between communities, charities and government, and demonstrates that The Cube and its partners have the ability to work across sectors and agencies to deliver innovative, youth-led development.

“Re-Imagine shows young people with disabilities that their voices and dreams are valued,” says Catherine. “The exhibition indicates the success of The Cube’s framework, the result of a range of partners working together creatively, putting in leadership, time, investment and support. Together, we can really make a difference and start to shift perception of the areas we work in.”

Re-Imagine is open to the public from 22nd July until 21st August. For more information on The Cube’s work, partners and goals, contact info@thecube.org.nz

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