ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Invitation issued to Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists across the country.
15 May 2024 | Press Release
Hull Truck Theatre have once again joined other theatres in signing up to the Graeae’s BEYOND programme as the initiative enters its fourth year. Beyond has supported 60 Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists in developing their careers, taking on new challenges & building successful connections. Beyond is back this year helping to develop greater access to regional opportunities across England ensuring Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists are at the forefront of new and emerging work. Hull Truck Theatre recognise the immense value of their intersectionality across their communities, which includes Black, Asian, Global Majority, migrant, and LGBTQIA+ artists, which is why the approach is to be as bespoke as possible for each individual artist on the programme. A Beyond participant said: “The industry is saturated with full-on training opportunities, and I find that quite exhausting. What sets Beyond apart, and what makes a difference is it is bespoke… designed for you.” Graeae have teamed up with Hull Truck Theatre as well as seven other leading venues across England; Octagon Theatre in Bolton, Nottingham Playhouse, Cast in Doncaster, Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, Everyman in Liverpool, Derby Theatre and Mercury Theatre in Colchester. Together they are creating a national network of artistic support and development for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists. As part of the scheme, Hull Truck Theatre will offer 18 months of bespoke support including: mentoring, practical resources such as industry specific workshops, creative spaces, micro-bursaries, network opportunities and support with funding applications. BEYOND acts as a bridge for artists to reach organisational leaders and national venues, to enable them to realise their creative potential and have their voices heard. The aim this year is to develop greater access to regional opportunities across England, designed to support artists who could most benefit from alliances with regional theatres in the North, North East, North West, East Midlands, and Essex. This could also include artists who might live, work or have a deep connection with any of the areas where partnering theatres are based: Bolton, Prescott, Nottingham, Derby, Hull, Liverpool, Doncaster or Colchester. A Beyond participant said: “The support [from venues] has been immense. Knowing that there is an interest in disability art in the mainstream and that there are theatres who want to make contact is incredibly powerful.” Graeae has a designated Access Manager who will oversee the provision of access for all the participating artists both in the application process and once artists are on the programme itself. The scheme is open to applicants over 18 years of age. All that is needed is a commitment to creating a live performance (online or in person) as a performer, writer, director, producer, designer, or technician. You must be based in England and live, work or have a deep connection with any of the areas where our partner theatres are based. There are 20 places available to Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent artists who want to create live performance, develop an idea, find new collaborations, be seen and heard, but cannot get beyond barriers to developing or continuing their practice. Graeae appreciate that as disabled artists, there may have been different paths taken within a career, the terms new, emerging, mid and established are not always easy to define, therefore it is encouraged that artists at all stages to apply. However, applications from full time students (or part time postgraduate students) are unable to be accepted. For more information and to apply please visit: https://bit.ly/4bGKlxZ Final date for submitting Expression of Interest form is midnight on Thursday 27 June 2024.
