Madhouse, My House?

Madhouse, My House? was a three-year digital and creative learning programme to accompany the Performance Company’s MADHOUSE re:exit production.

The project explored the institutionalisation of people with learning disabilities from the introduction of long stay hospitals in 1913 to present day treatment units. The project aimed to ensure as wide an audience as possible, of all different abilities, could engage in the performance and surrounding activities.

What did we do?

Over the three years we ran a series of film, performance and digital advocacy projects. Partners on the project included the University of East London’s RIX Research and Media, the Open University, University of Reading, Hackney Museum and Books Beyond Words.

RIX Research and Media worked with seven of our members to create an accessible website exploring institutionalisation and recording the overall project.

Six of our members researched and created an accessible and interactive exhibition alongside the University of Reading at Hackney Museum that runs from 2nd February until 20th May 2017.

We ran a series of Madhouse History weeks to engage groups of adult with learning disabilities in the exploration of this cultural history through performance, advocacy and the creation of a non-word book with Books Beyond Words.

We worked with Open University’s Social History of Learning Disability Research Group to create:

• an education pack for all ages and abilities that explores institutionalisation and life in long-stay hospitals. This pack was launched at Parliament’s Portcullis House in November 2016
• a guide to Making Heritage Accessible