Commissioned by HOME, Would you care to… by artist Katherine Hollinson, offers a glimpse into her relationship with older sister Gemma. See them navigate the complexities of life in an ableist world and a global pandemic, exploring the many frustrations, big and small, that Gemma experiences as a Disabled person.
The interactive film, which includes an accompanying booklet, is the result of a five-year exploration into sisterhood, and looks at the importance of human touch, give and take, and autonomy among other things, including how Covid-19 has shifted our relationships.
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and by Yorkshire Dance, South East Dance and The Lowry, the 30-minute film features dancing, sewing, laughter, tears and an original song, and they hope anyone that sees it will feel like they’ve enjoyed a warm hug – perhaps the first one in a long time!
She said: “Would you care to… has been a really personal project that has accompanied huge changes in both our lives. We hope it connects with lots of different people.
“As well as raising awareness around caring and receiving care, both Gemma and I wanted the film to give people a chance to stop and really think about those they care for; to take time out and even make a bookmark for them, but also to have a giggle, a sing-a-long, and a bit of respite from all we’ve been through over the last couple of years.”
The release date of International Women’s Day was also chosen very deliberately as almost 80 per cent of non-medical health service staff are women compared to less than half the wider workforce*, while the latest figures from Carers UK also demonstrate that most carers are still women.
Davinia Jokhi, Talent Development Producer; Theatre, for HOME added: “Almost a fifth of the working-age population of the UK is disabled, and with the onset of long-Covid, that number could well grow
“Not only that but the pandemic has brought the topic of care into sharp focus, and we wanted to look at it not just in terms of residential care and sheltered housing, or hospitals, which is where much of the focus has been over recent years, but in people’s homes and in their real lives.
“We’re proud to host the film and hope Would you care to… comforts and inspires in equal measure.”
Would you care to… is fully accessible, with audio description and captioned versions, and a postal pack to connect to communities less able to access the internet. It will be available via the HOME website at homemcr.org/production/woul... until April 1st.
Find out more about HOME at homemcr.org, about Katherine, who is based in Prestwich in the North West of England, and her work at katherinehollinson.com, where you can also find the trailer for the film. Or follow the sisters on social media at m.facebook.com/Would YouCareTo/ and instagram.com/wouldyoucareto/.
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