Short Film Shows How Artists With Down Syndrome Adapted Their Work During COVID-19

A U.K.-based organization that supports artists with Down syndrome has released a new film exploring the lives of artists during the COVID-19 quarantine. “Artists in Lockdown” was created by filmmaker Chris Kenward for advocacy group Heart & Sold, and features 15 visual artists representing seven countries, exploring how their art survived and even thrived through the lockdown. “Coping with lockdown could have been a real challenge for our artists, but we saw instead that it became a time when their creativity shone out — while the world closed down, they escaped into their art,” Kenward told the York Express.

Have you seen @HeartandSoldArt's new film, Artists in Lockdown?

In the film we see artists who have Down's syndrome, from all over the world, showing us how they have continued to produce their art through the global pandemic.

Click below to watch ????https://t.co/ikBAkLBTzs

— Down's Syndrome Association (@DSAInfo) June 25, 2020

The Frontlines: “Artists in Lockdown” is a short film released on YouTube that delves into the way the artists have redirected their talents to cope with the changes, taking on new challenges and learning new skills. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra copy of chromosome 21. The syndrome has a wide variety of characteristics such as by developmental delays, distinct physical features and may have accompanying medical problems.

• Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. There was an increase of 30% in babies born with Down syndrome between 1979 and 2003
• The average lifespan of a person with Down syndrome is approximately 60 years
• People with Down syndrome can experience mental health problems such as depression. Things like creative art outlets are particularly important during times like the lockdown

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A Mighty Voice: Our contributor, Greta Harrison, cheers on parents who are raising children with Down syndrome. “I am writing this for all the worried and scared parents behind me — who feel just as I did back in 2006, and many times since. Do not give up! The fully inclusive road is hard, bumpy and full of potholes. But it is worth it. Keep up your hard work and go around the roadblocks you encounter.” You can submit your first person story, too.

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What were the first books your child with Down syndrome loved? #DownSyndrome   #Reading 

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Other things to know: People with Down syndrome are vital members of every community they exist within. While they used to be locked away in institutions, because of the work of parents and advocates, they are now afforded the same opportunities as their peers and celebrated for their gifts and talents. Read more about what life is like with Down syndrome.

• The Point ‘More Alike Than Different’ Misses About Kids with Down Syndrome
• To the Class of 2020: Thank You for Including My Son with Down Syndrome
• What Educational Equity for Students with Disabilities Looks Like During COVID-19
• What to Say (and Not Say) to Parents of a Child with Down Syndrome

How to take action: Heart & Sold’s new film, “Artists in Lockdown,” is available to watch on YouTube. To support the organization by purchasing artwork, visit their website.