The V&A Dundee has unveiled \"Design and Disability,\" a landmark exhibition that opened its doors on June 5, 2026. This significant cultural event is dedicated to celebrating the radical contributions of Disabled, Deaf, and neurodivergent people to contemporary design and culture, spanning from the 1940s to the present day. The exhibition, which has garnered considerable attention, showcases approximately 170 objects thoughtfully arranged across three thematic sections: Visibility, Creativity, and Living. These sections encompass a wide array of disciplines, including design, art, architecture, fashion, and photography, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.
A Celebration of Inclusive Design
The \"Design and Disability\" exhibition at V&A Dundee marks a crucial moment in acknowledging and celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of disabled individuals to the fields of design, art, architecture, fashion, and photography. The exhibition's curation emphasizes a \"disability-first\" approach, ensuring that the experiences and expertise of disabled people are central to the narrative. This approach not only highlights past achievements but also serves as a powerful call to action, advocating for greater equity and accessibility within design processes. The exhibition's aim is to foster \"design justice,\" a concept that seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable world through thoughtful and accessible design. Visitors can expect to see how disabled people have designed for every aspect of life through their own experience and expertise, tracing the political and social history of design and disability. Through examples of disability-first practices showcasing the work of Disabled people and collaborators, the exhibition demonstrates how design can be made more equitable and accessible and aim towards design justice.
Scottish Stories of Innovation
\"Design and Disability\" prominently features innovative projects from Scotland, underscoring the local impact of this global conversation. Among these is the University of Dundee's \"Hands of X\" project, which delves into the design of prosthetic hands, showcasing advancements in assistive technology. Another notable inclusion is the work of Jamie O'Donnell, who collaborated with Muirhead to develop airline seating designed to reduce anxiety for neurodivergent passengers. This initiative exemplifies how design can directly address the needs of specific communities and improve everyday experiences. Furthermore, the exhibition highlights the artistic endeavors of Kirsty Stevens, a designer and artist who utilizes MRI scans of her brain to create unique images and patterns, a deeply personal exploration following her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. These Scottish contributions demonstrate a diverse range of creative responses to disability, from technological innovation to deeply personal artistic expression.
A Call for Equity and Accessibility
The \"Design and Disability\" exhibition is more than just a showcase of past and present achievements; it is a forward-looking initiative advocating for systemic change. The exhibition's curators, Natalie Kane for V&A South Kensington and May Rosenthal Sloan and Lily Barnes for V&A Dundee, have emphasized the importance of embedding the experiences and expertise of disabled people into all design processes. This perspective is crucial for creating a future where design is inherently more equitable and accessible. The Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic, Màiri McAllan MSP, has recognized the exhibition's significance, stating, \"This exhibition is a powerful example of that...\" McAllan further noted the V&A Dundee's contribution to Scotland's cultural landscape and its role in supporting innovation and collaboration. The exhibition's run at V&A Dundee extends until October 4, 2026, providing ample opportunity for the public to engage with its vital message. The exhibition's free admission makes it an accessible cultural offering for all.