The Wheel Turns - art exhibitions by wheelchair users

"The idea came about after working with participants at the Melbourne Centre, in Fishergate, who do such a great job with people who have learning difficulties or who are disabled," says charity curator Alaa Jasim,

"We were all aware of the impending Tour de France, and just how massive Le Grand Depart was going to be. We looked at the art from wheelchair users, and we thought, 'this is a whole different type of making marks'. You have a different angle, you have movement, and you have the tracks of the wheels themselves. Let's push some of this work to the next level."

New Visuality's aim is to use desirable, collectable art as a resource to stimulate creative responses in disadvantaged groups that are just as desirable and collectable. Consequently, for next week's shows, the charity called on the distinctive artwork of York cityscape artist Richard Barnes, who is best known for his nocturnal depictions of York Minster and neon-lit streets.

"Richard's work is instantly evocative, and he played a big part in helping our plans become solid ideas," says Alaa.

"The wheelchair users were thrilled to use his work as inspiration and then see their work slowly become these beautiful items, worthy of any exhibition in any gallery in the country. The fact that it's work that comes from disabled people is subordinate to the fact that it's excellent art, and in that way New Visuality has done what it always sets out to do."

The Wheel Turns project has been funded by City of York Council and Arts Council England and the series of exhibitions will form part of York's Be Part Of It culture festival.

"We're looking to build on last month's light installation at According To McGee that featured work by wheelchair, and it's going really well," says Alaa.

"The light show was out of this world, and now we're looking forward to the shows in July to coincide with Le Grand Depart. In the meantime, we're grateful to Starbucks, Coppergate and All Saints Pavement Church for such great exhibition spaces this month.

"Ultimately, if we can bring to wheelchairs some of the publicity enjoyed by bicycles, then we've done our jobs. Bikes are great, but wheelchairs too can be resilient, witty, beautiful, liberating. And the people who use them are some of the coolest people we've met."

The Wheel Turns takes place at According To McGee, Tower Street, on Monday to Wednesday; All Saint's Pavement Church on Monday and Tuesday; and Starbucks, Coppergate, from Monday to July 1.