A new report profiling projects and programme pathways for disabled persons to access the arts has been published this week.
The report, titled Levelling Access – Mapping Arts and Disability Provision in Clare, Galway City and Mayo was launched by Mayo County Council Arts Service in partnership with Clare and Galway City Arts Officers.
It was awarded funding from the Arts Council’s Invitation to Collaboration scheme, which supports Local Authorities to work together on projects that benefit the development of the arts.
Over the last 25 years, all three arts services have gained significant experience in the development and support of nationally recognised arts and disability programmes.
This report (now available on mayo.ie) highlights current and potential barriers to sustaining and developing arts and disability provision.
It also considers a framework for future development that is flexible and can be adapted for different local authority contexts and guide progress for different stakeholders.
The compilation of this report is indebted to the artists, facilitators, people who work in disability resource organisations and local arts organisations in the three local authority areas who took the time to impart their knowledge, experience, and insights, and for signposting possible new routes and directions for people with disabilities to access the arts on their own terms.
