The Mayor of London has announced a new fund for arts projects and digital programmes by the capital’s D/deaf and disabled artists and organisations.
Since 2019, Liberty, which celebrates D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse artists, has developed into a touring festival, taking their art to local communities in outer boroughs, and has been embedded into the flagship programme, London Borough of Culture.
This year, the Mayor is investing £70,000 to support artists and organisations working with D/deaf and disabled artists. City Hall is offering grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 for arts projects taking place outdoors, in indoor spaces, and digitally. Successful bidders will also get to feature their work as part of the opening event of Lewisham’s London Borough of Culture programme in January 2022.
Applications are invited from artists to create work for a wide range of formats, including events, performances, exhibitions, talks, walks, workshops and installation projects. Applications are welcomed from now until 30 June 2021.
London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said “Our disability arts sector is made up of outstanding talents and organisations committed to redefining access and inclusivity. Unfortunately, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic have placed additional challenges on our D/deaf, neurodiverse and disabled arts. That’s why I am investing in our artists to help unleash their creativity and give them the platform to showcase their skills in next year’s London Borough of Culture in Lewisham.”
Linda Rocco, Liberty Creative Producer, said ”These grants are a fantastic opportunity to support the capital’s D/deaf disabled and neurodivergent artists. This open call is for artists who push boundaries, bring quality, innovation and ambition to their work and who want to challenge perceptions of how culture can be performed and experienced for the widest range of audiences. While we cannot currently celebrate together, I am looking forward to the time when audiences will be reconnected to Liberty and be able to enjoy the wonderful diversity of creative ideas generated through this funding opportunity. The London and UK disability arts sector is a one-of-a-kind workforce recognised worldwide.”
