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.

iDance is a collaborative partnership co-funded by Erasmus+ which aims to support innovative practices in inclusive dance education, through a series of freely available lesson plans, video exercises and academic research. Project partners include Onassis Cultural Centre-Athens (Greece), Holland Dance Festival (Netherlands), Skånes Dansteater (Sweden) and Stopgap Dance Company (UK). 

Myrto Lavda, Head of Educational Programmes and Dora Vougiouka, Networking & Outreach Coordinator from co-ordinating partner, Onassis, reflect on the project's progress

Sho Shibata, Executive Producer of Stopgap Dance Company, gives a UK perspective on iDance

Holland Dance, one of the Netherlands leading dance organisations, recently hosted DanceAble #2, an international symposium with performances bringing together experts, researchers, professionals, dancers, teachers and students working in the field of inclusive dance. Martine van Dijk, Director of Outreach and Education at Holland Dance reflects on the organisation's ongoing inclusive dance programme. Joop Oonk, Artistic Director of participating company, Misiconi Dance Company also gives her perspective on the inclusive dance sector in Holland.

British disabled journalist Kate Lovell explores the evolution of disability film festivals from around the world, considering issues of access, agency and representation. Lovell speaks to a number of prominent figures from within the disability film sector, giving an overview of a selection of disability film festivals new and old. 



 

We are delighted to announce that Disability Arts International has been selected for a pptArt Institutional Art Award. PptArt promotes the visibility, recognition and reputation for best practice in collaborations between the corporate world and the art world. On the committee of the awards are leading arts managers from a range of Italian institutions. British Council's Italy team accepted the award on behalf of Disability Arts International at a presentation ceremony in Rome on the 22 November.
 

In Touch is an inclusive theatre production exploring the experience of deaf/blind people. The project is an international collaboration between the UK's National Theatre and Graeae Theatre Company with Russia's Inclusion Theatre Company and Theatre of Nations. The piece played at the National Theatre in October and at UNESCO, Paris as part of the UN's International Day of Disabled People, 3 December. British Council's Theatre & Dance team spoke to Viktoria Avdeeva, the show's Producer.

Un-Label - New Grounds of inclusive performing arts is an EU-Creative Europe co-funded project with partners from Germany, England, Greece and Turkey, which explores inclusive practice with an interdisciplinary outlook. Project lead, Lisette Rueter introduces their new publication entitled ‘Innovation Diversity – New Approaches of Cultural Encounter in Europe’ which is now available as a free resource.

5D is an inclusive theatre company based in the Netherlands who make productions both independently and in collaboration with mainstream theatre companies. Their aim is to put disabled people in theatre positions, both as actors and behind the scenes. 5D's work was highly commended by Martine van Dijk of Holland Dance.

You have received this newsletter because you registered on our website or previously showed interest in British Council news. If you wish to opt out of future newsletters please unsubscribe here. If you have been forwarded this email and would like to receive future emails from us you can subscribe to this newsletter here.

© 2017 British Council

The United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).