Hull Truck Theatre has joined other theatres in signing up for the Graeae’s BEYOND programme as the initiative enters its third year. The ground-breaking programme is designed to remove barriers and transform the careers of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists across the UK and is now and is now open for artists to sign up to participate.
The latest BEYOND programme will run from September 2023 through to March 2025 and sees Graeae team up with seven leading venues across England for its latest national network of artistic support and development for under-represented artists.
Jenny Sealey, Artistic Director of Graeae said:
“Bringing artists and venues together, Cast, Derby Theatre, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Hull Truck Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse Octagon Bolton and Shakespeare North Playhouse will ensure that Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists are at the heart of everything and not on the sidelines.”
As part of the scheme, Hull Truck Theatre will offer tailored development support, advice, training, mentoring and use of creative spaces for artists at every stage of their careers. BEYOND acts as a bridge for these artists to reach organisational leaders and national venues, to enable them to realise their creative potential and have their voices heard. The aim is to develop greater access to regional opportunities across England and to ensure that Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists are at the forefront of new and emerging work. BEYOND creates a vibrant national arts infrastructure, by building a pathway for new stories to be told and new audiences to be found. Graeae and all the participating organisations will support the intersectional, talented and diverse BEYOND cohort of artists to build the partnerships they need to generate the audiences they deserve.
Each of the BEYOND venues is committed to providing skill development, support and advice to a new wave of theatre-makers over a period of eighteen months. This will include: –
• mentoring
• practical resources such as industry-specific workshops
• creative spaces
• micro bursaries
• networking opportunities
• support with funding applications
A Beyond participant said:
“I entered the programme an emerging artist and I am leaving as a mid-career artist with a plethora of experience, connections and opportunities all stemming from this programme.”
Graeae has a designated Access Manager who will oversee the provision of access for all the participating artists both in the application process and once artists are on the programme itself.
The scheme is open to applicants over 18 years at every stage of their careers. All that is needed is a commitment to creating live a performance (online or in person) as a performer, writer, director, producer, designer, or technician. There are 20 places available to Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent artists who want to create live performances, develop an idea, find new collaborations, and be seen and heard, but cannot get beyond barriers to developing or continuing their practice.
For more information and to apply www.graeae.org/beyond
The final date for submitting an Expression of Interest form is Monday 26 June.
