Time to Act: Insights on Performing Arts and Disability in Europe

Two years on from the Time to Act report, British Council has commissioned On the Move to conduct a follow-up report looking further into the knowledge gaps in the cultural sector that contribute towards inequalities for disabled artists and audiences.

This report is more important than ever, especially as we recognise the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.

The report reveals data-led insights into the accessibility, inclusion, international mobility and professional development of disabled artists in the European performing arts sector, as well as the progress made over the past few years. The report combines a regional focus, covering all the countries participating in the Creative Europe programme (as well as Switzerland the UK), with more detailed analyses of the progress made in three of the countries where Europe Beyond Access has operated, namely Italy, Poland, and Sweden.

Overall, the report shows that progress has been achieved, particularly in the countries where organisations, disabled professionals and policymakers have taken a commitment and actively worked together to foster change. It demonstrates that multi-country, long-term actions lead to change. EU funding has also made a very significant contribution in this respect. However, progress continues to be necessary even where advancements have been made.

The study is part of the large-scale Arts and Disability project, Europe Beyond Access (which has recently been awarded Creative Europe funding until 2027). Co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union, this initiative aims to support disabled artists to break the glass ceilings of the contemporary theatre and dance sectors. The core partners of the project are British Council (operating for this project in the UK and Poland), Onassis Stegi (Greece), Holland Dance Festival (The Netherlands), Kampnagel (Germany), Per.Art (Serbia), Skånes Dansteater (Sweden), and Oriente Occidente (Italy).

Read the full report