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

British sculptor and conceptual artist Oliver MacDonald is just about to embark upon a three-month residency at the prestigious Turner Contemporary, Margate. The opportunity comes as a result of receiving Shape Arts' Adam Reynold's Memorial Bursary 2016/17. In the first of our 'Artists in Conversation' profiles, MacDonald discusses his practice and plans for the residency, with input from CEO of Shape, Tony Heaton, and from Director of Turner Contemporary, Victoria Pomery.

Disabled theatre-maker and Agent for Change at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Kate Lovell explores the benefits of this Arts Council England initiative in improving access for disabled people as artists and audiences.
 

Director of BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Sarah Munro speaks to Joe Turnbull about the moments in her career when the institutions she has worked at have collaborated successfully with disabled artists.

In Stopgap Dance Company’s latest production, The Enormous Room, the past is still present and memories collide with reality. This new piece of physical theatre explores themes of mourning, loss and moving on. The show premieres at Guildford International Music Festival, on 28 February, making its London debut at Sadler’s Wells on 2-3 March. It then travels to Grenzgänger2017, Kammer Theater, Munich on 31 March and 1 April. It will continue its tour until 2019.

Jess Thom aka Touretteshero talks to Niamh Ní Chonchubhair, programmer at axis: Ballymun about ‘Backstage in Biscuit Land’, the importance of presenting high quality arts and disability work on our stages, and improving access to theatre. A film commissioned by Arts & Disability Ireland.

Also, we love how the filmmakers have audio described this film!
 

IETM, the International network for contemporary performing arts, hosted the 'Other abilities, evolving aesthetics' session at its plenary meeting, November 2016 in Valencia. Four speakers from the dance sector shared their thoughts on the evolving aesthetics of performing arts, and on how disabled artists are innovating and challenging the art form. The debate forms part of a partnership between IETM and the British Council focussing on increased diversity in the arts.   
 
(Photograph: Claire Cunningham Give Me a Reason to Live by Hugo Glendinning)

Montreal-based integrated theatre company Joe Jack et John are one of the latest additions to our Artists and Companies Profiles section. Joe Jack et John's work is characterised by a collective writing practice which foregrounds social issues such as loneliness, bereavement and identity.


Do you know a disabled artist, disability-led or inclusive company ready for international touring? 

Established in 1991, Candoco, a company of disabled and non-disabled dancers, has been pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance with ambitious and challenging work ever since. February 2017 marks the close of Candoco’s 25^th Anniversary celebrations, with a week of participation, performance and discussion for dancers, teachers, young people, families and the public. Click here for a full list of events happening in the Open Week across London and Brighton.

Since May 2016, Candoco has been celebrating the milestone by regularly releasing stories exploring the national and international impact of the company across its history. This includes video stories, exclusive interviews with company members past and present, and some gems from the Candoco archive of images and flyers. Click here to see some of the tales from the 25 Stories Collection.

(Photograph: Candoco Dance Company by Anthony Crickmay, 1994)

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