Edinburgh International Festival: a pro-active and personal approach to access
Edinburgh International Festival: a pro-active and personal approach to access
Case Study
Joe Turnbull takes a look at the access offer of Edinburgh International Festival, an organisation with a rich history spanning more than 70 years. 2019 saw the festival feature more accessible performances than ever before and included disabled-led theatre company Birds of Paradise as part of its main programme. Birds of Paradise's Purposeless Movements at
Project Ability
Artist
Project Ability is a Glasgow-based visual arts organisation with an international reputation for excellence. We create opportunities for people with disabilities and people with mental health issues, aged 5 years to 80 plus, to express themselves and achieve artistic excellence. Over three hundred people each week take part in our year round programme
Shape
Artist
Shape is a disability-led arts organisation, currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. Shape is founded on the principle that all disabled people should have the opportunity to participate fully in arts and culture, and works with the vision of an inspiring and inclusive arts sector that is accessible to all. In order
Robert Softley
Artist
Robert is an established figure in the Scottish arts scene, with over 10 years of experience in diverse and varied roles – including disability rights activist, actor and performer, writer, artistic director and supporter and advocate of equality of access to the arts for disabled people whether as artists or
Ramesh Meyyappan
Artist
Ramesh continually seeks to develop and extend his theatrical visual vocabulary incorporating circus techniques and bouffon within his work. He enjoys the challenge of creating strong narrative work. Over the years, his solo performances and collaborations have toured nationally and internationally to much critical acclaim. Ramesh is interested in creating new
Krazy Kat Theatre Company
Artist
Creating visual theatre with creative and original use of sign language for young audiences, Deaf and mixed ability, their families and friends, Krazy Kat tours the UK and beyond with work that bristles with ingenuity and good humour. Established in 1982 Krazy Kat Theatre Company has a reputation for witty and
Indepen-dance
Artist
Indepen-dance is an inclusive dance development company, which provides creative movement classes for disabled people, their carers and volunteers. Throughout the year, the company performs work of high artistic quality created in collaboration with professional choreographers and dancers. Indepen-dance enables individuals with diverse abilities to participate in and benefit fully
Claire Cunningham
Artist
Claire Cunningham is a performer and creator of multi-disciplinary performance based in Glasgow, Scotland and a current Factory Artist with Tanzhaus NRW Düsseldorf, Germany as well as a Work Place Artist with The Place, London. One of the UK’s most acclaimed and internationally renowned disabled artists, Cunningham’s work is often rooted in the study and
Caroline Bowditch
Artist
Australian-born but now Glasgow-based performance artist and choreographer, Caroline Bowditch describes herself as a performer, maker, teacher, speaker and mosquito buzzing in the ears of the arts industry in the UK and further afield.
Birds of Paradise Theatre Company
Artist
Birds of Paradise Theatre’s artistic vision is of a culture where disabled artists are recognised for the excellence of their work, celebrated for the stories that they bring to the stage and are a vital part of the artistic landscape of Scotland. Our Purpose …is to be an accessible arts company that