Archiving, Illustrating, and Amplifying Disabled Stories
March 2020-2023
Created in collaboration with DisArt, the My Dearest Friends Project (MDFP) was an international disability-led public art collaboration that archived, illustrated, and amplified real stories of disability culture and community. Since its inception in March 2020, MDFP archived over 500 stories, created large-scale public installations that spanned over 5 public buildings including the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and was ranked Top 25 in Artprize 2021.
It Started with a Poem
At the start of COVID-19, Oaklee wrote a poem titled, "My Dearest Friends" Addressed to the disability community, this poem was a call to action and DisArt responded.
Based in Michigan, DisArt is an arts nonprofit who collaborates with artists + activists. With DisArt, My Dearest Friends grew from a poem to a project.
Archiving COVID-19 from the Disabled Perspective
Oaklee and DisArt released and open call for story submissions from the disability community.
Participants began their submissions with the phrase, "My Dearest Friends..." They wrote about their lived experiences during the pandemic, Oaklee illustrated each submission. The collaborative end result was shared online
Advocacy from Bed
The My Dearest Friends Project created a virtual community and digital platform where marginalized stories could be archived + amplified.
Creating Community During COVID-19
500+ Disabled Stories Archived
500+ Disabled Stories Archived
500+ Disabled Stories Archived
The Dearest Friends Project
Demand Access App
500+ Disabled Stories Archived
500+ Disabled Stories Archived
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Citywide Exhibitions
500+ Disabled Stories Archived
Citywide Exhibitions
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