Venue: The Maria Theatre, London
Witness the human stories of Austerity Britain in this deeply moving, mixed reality exhibition. In 2016, the UN found that “grave or systemic violations” of the rights of disabled people were taking place throughout the UK. Wearing a mixed reality headset, you will experience The Maria Theatre transformed into a striking holographic gallery that explores the stories of the many people failed by the UK’s welfare state.
Combining testimony, original music and holographic imagery, Museum of Austerity is more than an exhibition; it’s a blend of theatre, history and humanity. A place to reflect on the past and confront the future.
Museum of Austerity is a raw, honest, and dignified piece of art that can be experienced in a variety of ways.
In order to welcome the most diverse possible audience, and create an inclusive environment, all stories take place in one room, with audio, visual, and text-based options available.
The premise:
An immersive display of stories about chronically ill and disabled people who were failed by the DWP and income support programmes. There has been significant evidence to suggest that ‘benefit deaths’ over the last 2 decades can and should be linked to the systematic failures in the UK.
The delivery:
As you enter the space there is a written timeline of disability history, the creation of PIP, and related legislative progress. You have time to read this before and after entering the main exhibit.
This is where you will be fitted with your headset which provides spoken and captioned stories about the contributors.
There are multiple staff members on hand at all times, and you can leave/re-enter the event if needed.
The outcome:
In today's social, political, and economic climate it is important now more than ever that these issues are publicly accessible. A vast majority of those who have never interacted with the benefit system have no idea how problematic, traumatic, and soul-destroying it really is.
Historically, art is what has pulled people together. I am really hoping this might start to do the same.
You can book tickets to Museum of Austerity, here.
Review by Katie
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