The government’s new cost-cutting drive targeting the Welfare System is a direct threat to the livelihoods of disabled people across the UK—and it affects us all.
Leaked information suggests that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is planning cuts that will make it significantly harder for disabled artists to secure the vital support they rely on. This move could force many disabled artists out of their careers whilst pushing the responsibility of access costs to venues and employers.
The cuts jeopardise diversity, strength and vibrancy of our sector… So what are we going to do about it?
Facilitated by Graeae Theatre Company, and with wellbeing support, this symposium is a chance for disabled and non-disabled arts workers to come together and advocate for upholding the human rights of disabled people in the sector. We’ll also look at how funded arts organisations can ensure they continue to support their disabled artists, staff, and audiences in the face of these cuts.
This is a critical moment for the arts community. Join us for a proactive, creative and empowering conversation on how we can unite to defend the rights, dignity, and access of disabled artists. Because an arts sector that thrives is one that centres justice.
This event will be BSL interpreted, wheelchair accessible and accessible remotely. Wellbeing support is available throughout and directly after.
About Us
Graeae
Graeae’s presence in 2023 was not anticipated by the company’s founders. Throughout the company’s forty plus year history, there has been some progression in the way of accessibility and disability inclusion in the world of performance, but the industry and training to become part of the industry is still highly exclusionary. Graeae represents the individuals and stories that have been portrayed by those without the lived experience of deafness, disability, and neurodivergence throughout history.
Graeae would not be the exception to the rule. Ideally, Graeae would be considered a preeminent theatre company for their context exclusively, not for their content and the noteworthiness of those who create that content. The tenacity of Graeae’s team has never wavered. Perhaps Artistic Director/CEO, Jenny Sealey OBE said it best,