Utilizing the media critical eye of video art, the community based objectives of public access television, and the personal orientation of the 1990s, Miller’s Grove Public Access explores personal experiences with mental illness to deconstruct stigma. By humanizing symptoms and providing a platform for healthy self expression, the on-going project aims to dispel harmful ideologies keeping individuals from getting the help they need and deserve.
Miller’s Grove Public Access’ main initiative is to create a safe space for marginalized artists to produce personal and impactful work. Using older videography methods and re-used materials with a DIY sensibility, the project aims to be as accessible as possible. Eliminating the need for high quality visuals and intricate production values will allow artists to focus on their message while still creating work in a unique style.
The project was created in 2018 by video artist, Sophia Gordon to explore the struggles and symptoms commonly found in bipolar I. The project has since gone on to host group exhibitions and win the internationally recognized Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter Grant (May 2019). With the success of its two month run at The Green Gallery in 2019, Miller’s Grove Public Access announced another open call in March 2020. As of right now, the next MGPA open call has not yet been scheduled as TeleUphoria is expanding its programming. However, we have no intention of ending the project, but a new open call might not be announced until 2022.
