Disability Arts International sends out a newsletter four times a year (sign up here) with exclusive content about disabled artists and inclusive companies making excellent work across the world, innovations in access. On this page, you’ll find an archive of our past newsletters with links to view browser-friendly versions of each issue.

#28: Time to Act Two Years On

A white male performer with one arm shorter than the other looks directly into the camera

In this newsletter, we invite you to the final Europe Beyond Access symposium; our report ‘Time to Act: Two Years On’ reveals shocking disparities and knowledge gaps in Europe’s cultural sector; a short film explores an artistic laboratory which focused on making the move from dancer to choreographer; a landmark exhibition explores the intersections of queerness and disability; and an introduction to EBA artist Laila White.

#27: Disabled artists’ perspectives on working through the pandemic, Beyond Signs, Harbourfront Centre & DansFunk

Two performers stand on stage in front of a sea of lights
Signmark performance at CoMotion Festival. Image courtesy of the artist.

In this newsletter, a short film explores disabled artists’ experiences of the pandemic; we look at Harbourfront Centre’s joined up approach to programming and access; we showcase Beyond Signs, an international exchange project foregrounding deaf artists; we offer a chance to watch the recent DansFunk Conference; we highlight an exciting awareness-raising campaign in Poland; we share a new dance for camera piece made in collaboration between Kate Marsh and Polish artists Dominika Feiglewicz and Patrycja Jarosinska; and we introduce you to Europe Beyond Access artists Jordy Ruhl and Leisa Proud.

#26: Learning-disabled leadership in the arts

A group of learning disabled actors in tattered costumes stand around another actor injured on the floor
Gulliver, le dernier voyage, Catalyse. Photograph: Christophe Raynaud de Lage.

In this newsletter, a short film explores learning-disabled leadership in the performing arts; UK theatre company Access All Areas shares a set of resources for developing and supporting learning-disabled leaders; we look at the arts and disability scene in France; we introduce another Europe Beyond Access artist; and we preview a summer packed full of disability-specific festivals and events.

#25: A bold manifesto for change

Back image of Al. Di. Qua.'s artists during the recording of this video manifesto.

In this newsletter, Al. Di. Qua., an association of Italian disabled artists deliver a provocative video manifesto calling for change; we explore dance and dramaturgy through a film documenting the latest Europe Beyond Access lab; we highlight a landmark publication bringing together disability arts from across the Americas; we introduce the work of Serbian learning-disabled performer and director, Dalibor Šandor; and we share films which demystify audio description in theatre.

#24: Arts, disability and social change

A scene from a music concert. There is a band on the scene and a group of fans in front of it. On the scene, there are musicians, three of them are using wheelchairs. The songs are tanslated to sign language by the translator using hand gestures.
Photograph: Klaudyna Schubert

In this newsletter, Europe Beyond Access artists discuss how their artistic practices are creating social change; Małopolska Empathetic Culture shares its regional approach to improving disabled access in Poland; we discover Diverse Nordic Voices, the first programme of its kind supporting disabled choreographers across Sweden, Norway and Iceland; we learn more about learning-disabled choreographer Natalija Vladisavljević’s unique creative practice in Serbia; we share a spellbinding version of The Tempest, created in collaboration between disabled artists from the UK, Japan and Bangladesh; and, we give details of how you can watch Sweden’s Skånes Dansteater’s inclusive dance conference, Dansfunk from the comfort of your home.

Newsletter #23: New mixed doubles available for touring

Composite image of four dance duets with text reading 'four new duets'

In this newsletter, we share the latest Europe Beyond Access commission, a stunning new duets programme; explore the arts and disability scene in Italy; highlight a study comparing Relaxed Performances across six countries; introduce Europe Beyond Access artist Yesol Kim; and feature a number of digital events and opportunities.

Newsletter #22: New Europe Beyond Access commission explores themes of show culture and spectacle

Two figures sit on a sandy floor, one has their face covered with a hood
Rose La Rose. Photograph Jonas Fischer.

In this newsletter, we share the latest Europe Beyond Access commission, Rose La Rose; explore Canada’s disability arts scene; discover what a digital residency programme might look like; introduce Europe Beyond Access artist, Giuseppe Comuniello; and, encourage you to fill in an important survey aimed at making international touring more sustainable and inclusive.

Newsletter #21: Confronting societal fears about disability

Three performers pile together in an art gallery, contorting their hands and grimacing
We Are Not Monsters.  Photograph: Aleksandar Ramadanovic

In this newsletter, we premiere a new film about a groundbreaking collaboration between learning-disabled artist Dalibor Šandor and renowned French choreographer Xavier Le Roy; share news of an open letter to top European policymakers demanding the full participation of disabled people in the arts; explore the arts and disability sector of Australia; learn about two new funding streams in Portugal supporting disabled artists and audiences; and much more.

Newsletter #20: Greece, ‘International Sign’ and Sync Leadership

6 performers in black and white face paint play instruments whilst another in the centre of them is blindfolded, wearing a dress with a massive train which is bunched up around them all.
Paramyfiko (2013) by SMouTH. Photograph: D. Sakalakis.

In this newsletter, we explore the Arts and Disability sector in Greece; highlight ‘International Sign’, a collaboration between some of Europe’s most prominent Deaf-led theatre companies; discover how the Sync Leadership programme in Canada has adapted to Covid-19; introduce the latest Europe Beyond Access artist film; and share some dates for your digital diary this autumn.

Newsletter #19: The world’s first relaxed venue & accessibility in publishing

A large performance hall with ornate wooden ceiling
Battersea Arts Centre’s recently refurbished Grand Hall. Photo: Fred Howarth.

In this newsletter, we look at the steps taken by Battersea Arts Centre, a multi-arts space in London, to become the world’s first ‘relaxed venue’; we explore accessibility in publishing; we share our latest artistic laboratory film which celebrates difference; and we investigate how the use of nudity can be a radical artistic form for disabled artists.

Newsletter #18: The importance of international collaboration

Two dancers with their eyes closed touch one hand in the middle, sensing each other's presence

In this newsletter, we consider the importance of International Exchange with a new film about disabled artists collaborating across borders; we look at ImPart, an international project exploring the aesthetics of access; we explore Unlimited: Making the Right Moves – a six-year programme in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Ukraine in partnership between the British Council and Candoco Dance Company; plus other updates and resources.

Newsletter #17: A new website and anniversary celebrations for Per.Art

Wheelchair user lying on her back with a seaside scene in the background

In this newsletter, we celebrate the launch of our brand-new website, explore a week-long laboratory of disabled artists from across Europe, led by Caroline Bowditch and Luke Pell, look at the accessibility offer of the world-renowned Edinburgh International Festival, profile a new European consortium of accessible film festivals and congratulate Per.Art on their 20th anniversary.

Newsletter #16: Learning-disabled leadership, artist profile films, Switzerland’s disability arts sector & more

Woman dancing expressively
Per Art Dis_Sylphide. Photograph: Anja Beutler

In this newsletter, we explore a unique gathering of artists from across Europe led by learning-disabled practitioners at Hamburg’s Kampnagel, share the first in a series of ‘Artist ID’ films showcasing the work of Europe Beyond Access artists, examine the disability arts sector in Switzerland and investigate the work being done at Belgian arts centre, de Warande.  

Newsletter #15: Europe Beyond Access, Spain and Tanzhaus NRW

Person in a horse costume, wheelchair user dressed as native American and a woman dressed as a cowboy
Dennis Seidel / Meine Damen und Herren ‘Zehn Meter in den wilden Westen’

In this newsletter, we celebrate the first artistic activity of Europe Beyond Access, a pan-European project aimed at supporting disabled artists to break through the glass ceilings of the dance and theatre sectors. We also explore Spain’s arts and disability sector and take a detailed look at Tanzhaus NRW, Düsseldorf and its holistic approach to access. 

Newsletter #14: Captioning, Sweden and the Wellcome Collection

South Asian woman wearing smart glasses
Smart glasses. Photograph: James Bellorini

In this newsletter we chart the development of captioning in the performing arts, explore the landscape of the disability arts sector in Sweden, learn about the disability and access work of major funder, the Wellcome Trust, go on a virtual tour of DisArt’s latest exhibition and look back at some of our favourite content from the last year.

Newsletter #13: East Asia, NDACA and Unlimited Symposium

Woman sitting next to banraku puppet
Hijinx’s Meet Fred. Photograph: Lindsey Screen

In this newsletter we focus on East Asia, giving an overview of the British Council’s work in the region, looking at Hijinx Theatre’s recent initiative to export its academy model to China, and profiling the arts and disability sector in Korea. We also explore one of the world’s first disability arts archives and get reflections from the Unlimited Symposium.

Newsletter #12 Festivals: access to live music, disability specific festivals and a new resource

A large crod at a music gig, throwing their hands in the air

in this newsletter we celebrate festival season by exploring accessibility in live music, we consider the pros and cons of disability specific festivals, and we launch a new database of disability arts festivals across Europe.

Newsletter #11: Inclusive music teaching, autism-friendly performances and Outsider Art

White man playing guitar, white wheelchair using woman plays assistive technology instrument

In this newsletter we look at an initiative to make music teaching more inclusive at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, explore the growing trend of autism-friendly performances, go beyond the label of ‘Outsider Art’ and profile a visual spectacle in India.

Newsletter #10: Accessibility in Galleries and Museums

Two white men, one is giving the other a guided touch tour of a bronze statue of a man wrestling a python

In this newsletter we look at galleries and museums that are going above and beyond to provide world-class access provision for disabled visitors. Plus, a reflection from the IETM plenary in Brussels, accessible musical instruments and an overview of the arts and disability scene in Portugal.

Newsletter #9: Inclusive dance in Europe, disability film festivals and an Institutional Art Award.

Dance workshop, lots of swirly movements
iDance lab

In this newsletter we look at a number of innovative inclusive dance initiatives happening across Europe. We also chart the development of disability film festivals from around the world.

Newsletter #8: Funding change and reporting excellence

Photograph of a performance with green lighting
The British Paraorchestra and Extraordinary Bodies. Photograph Paul Blakemore

In this newsletter we explore the role that arts funders, networks and advocates play in driving improved opportunities for disabled people as audiences and artists: including contributions from Arts Council England, IETM network, European Cultural Foundation, and the British Council. Plus reports from conferences in Berlin and Ottawa.

Newsletter #7: Performance, Premieres and Programmes

A shot of Edinburgh's cityline, taken from a high vantage point

In this newsletter we focus on the performing arts, previewing the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and looking at some of the major networking and commissioning programmes across Europe.

Newsletter #6: Institutional Change

A large choreographed scene of performers on a brightly lit stage

In this newsletter we look at different ways in which ‘mainstream’ organisations are changing their institutional culture to be more inclusive.

Newsletter #5: Disability and Aesthetics

Photograph of a group of people singing
Crossing the Line Festival. Photograph Anouk Desury

In this newsletter we look at the unique aesthetic of the work of some disabled artists, and how this is influencing wider arts practice.

Newsletter #4: Embedding disabled artists in mainstream settings

An ice-cream van with a giant wicker horn

In this newsletter we look at the ways in which disabled artists are working outside of a disability context, and at some of the different methods for embedding disabled artists in ‘mainstream’ venues, festivals and other cultural institutions.

Newsletter #3: Unlimited and international collaborations 

Installation of an inside of a church filled with balloons
Noemi Lakmaier’s Cherophobia

In this newsletter, we look back at the Unlimited festivals and explore a number of other exciting international collaborations.

Newsletter #2: Adventures in Accessible Technology

Disabled man playing a modified guitar and singing into a microphone

In this second newsletter, we look at the innovative use of technology to create accessible routes to artistic creation and audience experiences.

Newsletter #1: Disabled Leadership in the Arts

Three male dancer in the same costume, one is a wheelchair user. One is leaning backward almost touching the floor.
Candoco Dance Company

In this first newsletter, we look at disabled leadership in the arts, and how the arts are being transformed by disabled artists pushing the boundaries of content and form.