Meet Aleatha Lindsay | Multidisciplinary Artist, Curator, Disability Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aleatha Lindsay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aleatha, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
After 15 years as a working artist and arts professional, I found there was still a lack of representation, accessibility, and inclusivity, for artists of various backgrounds, especially those who identify with a disability. They are often overlooked and unrepresented within the arts sector. As an artist and arts professional who identifies with a disability, it was important for me to have access and a space where I am included. This led me to start The Ikouii Creative, a space that allows disability identified artists a level playing field to create, share, and break barriers that can transform the global arts community.

Through Ikouii, disability-identified artists have access to a platform to exhibit, perform, curate, give talks, lead workshops, and further their artistic practice. They also have opportunities to collaborate with other artists and organizations through projects organized by Ikouii.

One of our most recent projects is INSIDE THEIR STUDIO: Artists with disabilities and their collaborators, the first installment of The Ikouii Book Project. INSIDE THEIR STUDIO brought together 30 artists from 10 different countries, the publication shared a range of practices and provided a rare glimpse into the artist’s studio practices, inspirations and personal journeys. Since its release in 2020, the INSIDE THEIR STUDIO book has been sold worldwide in 13 countries. The book featuring artists who identify with a disability is now included in the collection of several universities and libraries across the United States, including RIT/Rochester Institute of Technology and Gallaudet University. The intention behind the project was to reiterate that individuals with disabilities can not only have enriching experiences in the arts, but can also be invaluable assets as artists, art professionals, and patrons.

Funds raised from the book project provide support to Ikouii Artists, through grants for exhibition fees, projects, and educational purposes as well as to assist in the coverage of administrative commitments for the organization. The book is available for purchase on our website, Ikouii.com.

At Ikouii, we are also committed to transforming cultural institutions into engaging and meaningful spaces for all audiences of various disabilities. Ikouii assists cultural institutions in building a more comprehensive welcoming structure by providing; accessibility audits, disability awareness and interaction training, consultancy, and inclusive programming design. In providing a more inclusive structure, cultural institutions enrich their offerings and access to their collections, buildings, programs, and services to better serve and reach all audiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m an Atlanta based award-winning multi-disciplinary artist, independent curator, disability advocate, and published author. While working on my undergrad in Creative Arts Therapy at SAGE, I started working with disability identified individuals in my training as my focus. In graduate school, this continued into my thesis project as I developed a program for children on the Autism Spectrum and their families in art museum settings. Later, the program ended up winning an award at the Savannah College of Art & Design. After obtaining my M.A. in Creative Business Design and Art Leadership at SCAD, I continued working in special education and disability arts for a number of years till I started, The Ikouii Creative in 2016.

Ikouii is now a wonderful diverse community of disabled artists who work in various mediums such as painting, poetry, dance, performance, and installation arts. The artists we serve are located in the United States, Canada, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Israel, and India. We offer a diverse spectrum of exhibitions, events, and programs to amplify our impact in the arts sector.

As someone who has experienced having a disability from a young age, I credit my early exposure to the arts with helping me overcome challenges related to being deaf. I firmly believe that even the most severely disabled can, through their senses, appreciate the joys of art. Exposure to the arts has a tremendous positive impact on the mental and developmental state of every individual. Yet all too often individuals with disabilities are shortchanged of this life enrichment when they do not have access. The loss of art exposure is especially stifling for individuals with disabilities. By providing inclusive accessibility in cultural institutions and opportunities for artists with disabilities, Ikouii is playing an instrumental role in increasing access to the benefits of arts enrichment for all individuals.

At Ikouii, we believe access and exposure to the arts and culture is a fundamental right of all people. Everyone has the right of access to cultural heritage. Museums and galleries can work to provide safe, dynamic learning environments that contribute positively to the quality of life of all individuals regardless of physical, intellectual, and social barriers. Improving access to cultural institutions, while incorporating inclusion and diversity, involves using creative ideas to tackle disability related barriers that prevent individuals from an immersive experience.

I want to challenge each individual to contribute to creating the world characterized by inclusivity we all want. Everyone can participate in this effort by simply donating to organizations like Ikouii, expanding their private collections, attending events, and volunteering their time. We always have opportunities for individuals who are passionate about inclusive arts enrichment to make an impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a huge foodie and Atlanta is a melting pot of cuisines. I like to take them for some Indian at Botiwalla inside Ponce City Market and for Venezuelan at Arepa Mia inside Sweet Auburn Curb Market, both have their own unique charm and vibe. For more food, I like to go by Krog Street Market. Its a great place to hang out and friends usually find unique things to take back home. Depending on what’s happening that week, we usually stop by my gallery in Decatur, the High Museum, and go to a festival.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shout-out to my tribe of family and friends who have supported me over the years! Especially my mother, who has been my constant rock and always reminding me to never give up. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for her love and encouragement.

Website: https://ikouii.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikouii/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ikouii/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ikouii

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTcKhScvLwG4ERESKtYUYmw

Image Credits
Zac Fenn of Artist Luke Abdallah – Sydney, Australia
Sarah Wilson Photography