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A
documentary written, produced and directed by Dan Labbato.
Each year, approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer
traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. While current health
therapies leave many indefinitely institutionalized, a
new documentary explores a powerful alternative.
In
1999, artist Bill Richards founded The Art
Studio at the Northeast Center for Special Care, in Lake
Katrine, New York. It was modeled on a similar program
he had created for injured young adults in
Harlem.
Because Richards believes every person has the ability
to become an artist, he doesn't consider the
participants as “patients” or
"students," nor does he suggest themes, give
assignments, teach technique, or offer
criticism.
The unconventional studio is open all day, allowing
Resident-Neighbors to come and go as they please. The goal is
not art as therapy, but the creation of art for its
own sake, and as a means for the artists to rediscover
who they are or forge new identities
Changing
Identities chronicles the lives of four
individuals suffering from traumatic injury and
their participation in an innovative method of
recovery pioneered by artist Bill Richards and put
into practice in the Fine and Performing Arts
Program at Northeast Center for Special Care.
Filmed over the course of three years, Changing
Identities documents the powerful metamorphosis
of its subjects as they redefine who they are
through this unique studio art program and begin
to see themselves not as “disabled” but as
artists with new identities.
The
burst of personal expression that Bill
Richard's in the art studio has afforded
its participants is a unique voice from a
disabled population that has been
traditionally and tragically silent.
Changing Identities gives a voice to the
silent persons institutionalized in this
country with traumatic injury and
questions a healthcare industry unable or
unwilling to address their needs.
This 56 minute documentary, narrated by Meryl Streep, sheds light on the
individuals who have had an opportunity to try this
alternative art therapy program. See this story of triumph over tragedy and explore the
art process that can make it possible.
Changing Identities: A Story of Traumatic Injury and
Art, has been aired on WNET New York and will air on
Public Television Stations across the country in 2008.
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