Artists and creative companies working at the intersection of arts and disability across Galway gathered for an important meeting at the Blue Teapot Theatre last week.
The afternoon was filled with inspiring conversations, focusing the work of artists with intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as on developing theatre and visual arts.
Hosted by the Galway City Council Arts Office, the event was a response to the Levelling Access report, which mapped Arts and Disability provision in Clare, Galway City, and Mayo. The meeting reviewed the Levelling Access report, and its findings, and explored ways to collaborate locally and regionally.
Around 25 attendees discussed visibility, curation, access, and networks in arts and disability. Contributors from various artforms, including theatre, dance, visual arts, writing, and poetry attended, alongside education and support agency partners.
Published in 2022 with support from the Arts Council of Ireland, the Levelling Access report mapped arts and disability provision. It highlighted services such as the Brothers of Charity’s Arts Alive, Blue Teapot Theatre Company, No Ropes Theatre Company, and Speckled Egg Dance Company in Galway city.
The report enables local authorities to partner with expert collaborators to address significant aspects of arts development.
Galway City Council says it is working with local partners to profile the work of disabled artists and build capacity in arts and disability across creative disciplines to enhance professional and participatory arts opportunities.
Levelling Access – Mapping Arts and Disability Provision in Clare, Galway City, and Mayo is available in various formats on www.mayo.ie/arts/programme/arts-disability
