In this first newsletter we look at disabled leadership in the arts, and how the arts are being transformed by disabled artists pushing the boundaries of content and form. 

How are disabled dance artists challenging the world of contemporary dance? Who are the disabled choreographers at the foreground of artistic innovation? Why is it important that disabled dance artists author their own work as choreographers and artistic leaders?
 
These are just some of the questions explored by Emma Gladstone, Artistic Director of London’s Dance Umbrella, as she talks to dancers, choreographers and artistic programmers from the UK and overseas.

With the support of Stopgap Dance Company, Chris Pavia has realised a lifelong ambition to become a choreographer. In an exclusive interview with Colin Hambrook focusing on Chris's professional development, the dancer/ choreographer explains the journey he has taken since first joining the company as a trainee in 1997.

Lisette Reuter explains how Un-Label is working to consolidate the leadership abilities of a Europe-wide group of performing artists by providing training experience in producing workshops to support live production events.

Reflecting on her time in Barcelona working on a unique mentoring project, Janice Parker writes with passion and aplomb about the innovation in dance made possible by the potential for disabled choreographers to break convention and invent new modes of expression.

Ben Evans from the British Council explains the ideas behind the Disability Arts International website and newsletter, and how artists and companies from around the world can get involved.

In each newsletter we will share excellent advice and information for arts professionals seeking to make arts events more accessible to disabled audiences and visitors.
 
The Outdoor Arts Toolkit is an online publication developed by ISAN (Independent Street Arts Network) and Attitude is Everything.
 
The toolkit is packed with practical examples of measures which events organisers can take to meet the requirements of Deaf and disabled audience members at outdoor arts festivals and events; including marketing, transport, site layout, the range of access services that can be offered and ideas about programming.
 
Do take time to explore other toolkits and advice from music access specialists, Attitude is Everything.
 

Unlimited offers talented disabled artists funds and mentoring support to develop, produce and show ambitious work.

Senior producer Jo Verrent blogs about the upcoming opportunities and presents her curated list of highlights in the Disability Arts International artist and company profiles.

She also introduces this year's Unlimited Festivals, to be held at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London and for the first time at Tramway in Glasgow in September.

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