The cultural network On the Move published a major study on experiences of disabled people within the arts scene called "'Time to Act. How lack of knowledge in the cultural sector creates barriers for disabled artists and audiences". 40 countries were observed during the study to answer the questions "How many programmers are actively seeking work by disabled artists? Do cultural venues have adequate engagement strategies to reach disabled people in their communities?" and more.
Through the questioning, the study wants to show the depth of knowledge around the creative work and practices of professional disabled artists, how to make cultural programmes accessible to disabled artists and how to make cultural programmes accessible to disabled audiences.
The study was designed as the evaluation strategy for the project Europe Beyond Access celebrating disabled dance and theatre artists.
Ben Evans, the project director, described some of the outcomes as "[...] shocking, and they reveal the institutional marginalisation of disabled people in our European cultural sector". For example, only 13% of venues and festivals involve disabled people in selection panels or in the commissioning process. You can find the complete study here.
To mark the launch of the report, the British Council on On the Move hosted a webinar which brought together invited arts professionals, representatives of cultural ministries, arts councils and policymakers from across Europe. The recording can be found here.
Europe Beyond Access supports disabled artists to break the glass ceilings of the contemporary theatre & dance sectors.
On the Move is a cultural mobility information network with 50+ members in over 20 countries across Europe and internationally. The mission is to encourage and facilitate cross-border mobility and cooperation, contributing to building up a vibrant and shared European cultural space that is strongly connected worldwide.
