Exceptional and Extraordinary’s ambition, ideas and approach have emerged from our experience of 20 years of research-led projects that have explored the relationship between disabled people and museums, and aimed to engage the public in discussion and debate around widely held assumptions about disability, as well as tackling discrimination, stigma and prejudice against disabled people. E&E drew on this experience along with highly-trusted museum and medical expertise, a wealth of collections from eight museums, and the highly personal and politically engaged perspectives of 4 artists with lived experience of disability to:

  • build and encourage a relationship of collaboration between the RCMG project team, four artists and museum partners
  • produce 4 new, creative and innovative artworks that would offer new ways of seeing and thinking about disability
  • stimulate discussion and influence wider public debate at a time of significant changes to disabled peoples’ lives
  • have a lasting impact on museum and medical practice