Item DC 101/3/4 - Project Ability information leaflet

In the early 1980s, Veronica Matthew had started working for the Third Eye Centre as a project coordinator for an organization called Project Ability. Project Ability was started by Ellie Sinclair-Hall who suffered from multiple sclerosis; her goal was to highlight the talents of people with disabilities and demonstrate their artistic prowess. In October of 1983, they hosted a three-week long showcase of performance, exhibitions, films, plays, talks, music, and workshops. People came from all over the United Kingdom and abroad to see this project and take part in it. Veronica Matthew was the co-ordinator for the project. Unfortunately, Veronica’s part-time assistant had died a few months into the project in a car crash. There was also a team of writing volunteers for the project. Their headquarters were in a leaky attic area which caused problems in attempting to work but they were able to just pull everything off. They held workshops, talks, film screenings, choral practice, art exhibitions, plays, conferences, and more.

Project Ability is now a very successful arts organization providing a creative outlet for many disabled people and fulfilling Ellie’s dream. The headquarters are at Trongate 103 in Glasgow; they incorporated in April of 1984. Per the About section on their website, Project Ability has “been supporting, celebrating and platforming diversity within the contemporary visual arts sector.” They “provide a welcoming arts community for people with learning disabilities and mental ill-health.” Finally, they “provide the space and expertise to allow them to express themselves, build confidence and achieve their potential.”