The piece reflects the history of disability rights advocacy in Colorado and is part of the America 250 - Colorado 150 project, which features 22 commissioned art installations across the state.
Governor Polis praised the exhibit for its inspiration drawn from the tenacity of the Gang of 19, who led public transit protests in 1978, and emphasized Colorado's progress in building a community where individuals with disabilities can thrive.
Press Release: Office of Colorado Governor Jared Polis
Reproduced in full from the Office of Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
Governor Polis Visits America 250 - Colorado 150 Art Instillation: Access Mandala
COLORADO SPRINGS, Today, Governor Polis visited “Access Mandala” created by Access Gallery. The piece captures the history of disability rights advocacy in Colorado. Access Mandala is one of 22 America 250 - Colorado 150 commissioned art installations across our state that honor Colorado’s communities, and the state’s rich 150 year history.
“Colorado artists are an important part of our communities and capture the uniqueness of Colorado. Access Mandala is a beautiful exhibit that draws inspiration from the history of disability rights in Colorado, and the tenacity of the Gang of 19 who led public transit protests during the summer of 1978. I am proud of how far Colorado has come in building a Colorado For All where everyone with a disability can thrive and live a fulfilling life,” said Governor Polis.
“Colorado has been a leader in the disability civil rights movement since day one, making it fitting that it is represented in one of our America 250 - Colorado 150 installations. Access Gallery shows what it means to build a Colorado for All. By championing artists with disabilities, they are adding to the long history of people with disabilities shaping our state. And with this new installation, that legacy is now part of how Colorado tells our shared story for generations to come,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.
Governor Polis poses with Senator Tony Exum and Access Gallery staff in front of Access Mandala
Governor Polis and Tony Exum speak with Access Gallery staff in front of Access Mandala
Colorado is the top state for people with disabilities. The Office of the Lt. Governor released a documentary last year at the beginning of the The 150 - 250 celebration. The documentary, A Colorado for All: A Legacy of Accessibility, celebrates Colorado’s long and proud leadership in advancing disability rights and serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much work remains to ensure that inclusion is fully realized in every workplace, classroom, and community.
