Calling Up Justice at SFMOMA’s Disability Portrait Day: Community, Art, and Accessibility
On July 27, 2024, Calling Up Justice was proud to attend and participate in SFMOMA’s first Disability Portrait Day. Organized in collaboration with the San Francisco Disability Cultural Center, the Longmore Institute, and the Disability Visibility Project, the event was a beautiful celebration of disability culture and community, centered around the theme of self-representation through portraiture. Calling Up Justice practice members Jesenia Delourdes and Claudia Alick were thrilled to be a part of this empowering day, where they performed, connected with the community, and had their portraits taken by disabled photographer Mia Charnelle.
Our participation began with a “Why Mask” performance, where we highlighted the importance of masking to protect our disabled community members in a time when mask bans are becoming more common. We proudly displayed art from the Why Mask Portland event, and gathered photos of attendees wearing masks, reinforcing the message of collective care and safety. It was inspiring to be in a COVID-accessible environment, where the health and safety of disabled people were prioritized.
The event provided a fantastic opportunity to meet and reconnect with others from the disability community. The space was filled with friends, family, service animals, and creative expression, as attendees engaged with SFMOMA’s Creative Growth: The House That Art Built exhibition, featuring the work of disabled artists. Jesenia and Claudia spent time reflecting on the powerful work of Kara Walker, whose art provoked thoughtful discussions about history, identity, and resistance.
One of the event’s highlights for us was having our portraits taken by Mia Charnelle, a disabled artist whose talent and perspective truly captured the essence of each subject. The opportunity to be photographed by someone who understands the importance of representation and authenticity within the disability community made the experience even more meaningful. We’re eagerly awaiting our prints and digital files!
A special moment occurred when Claudia was invited to join the board of the San Francisco Disability Cultural Center, a testament to our shared commitment to uplifting disabled voices and advocating for justice. We are honored to collaborate further with this vital institution that supports, celebrates, and amplifies disability culture in all its forms.
SFMOMA’s Disability Portrait Day was a powerful reminder of the beauty and diversity within the disability community. From the art and performance to the connections made, the event was a success in every way. We left feeling inspired, grateful, and more committed than ever to our work of building a just and accessible world for all.
We look forward to continuing these vital conversations and collaborations as we push forward with Calling Up Justice’s mission of transformative justice through art, community, and collective care. Thank you to SFMOMA, the San Francisco Disability Cultural Center, and all the partners who made this event possible!