Beyond started life in 2020 at the very beginning of the covid emergency, the programme was set up initially as a way to physically connect regional artists with our partner venues. On the surface, this appeared to be an impossible task. It turned out not to be, and 6 years on, at what is still a vulnerable time for our industry, our Beyond artists and our partner venues have proved that creativity, tenacity, and shared ambitions can enable artists to expand their careers even in the toughest of times.

Beyond has helped to develop greater access to regional opportunities across England ensuring Deaf, Disabled and neurodivergent artists are at the forefront of new and emerging work. We recognise the immense value of our intersectionality across our communities, which includes Black, Asian, Global Majority, migrant, and LGBTQIA+ artists, which is why our approach is to be as bespoke as possible for each individual artist on the programme.

There have been three Beyond Programmes each running between 18 months to 2 years and across all programmes Graeae have teamed up with leading venues across England including;

Octagon Theatre in Bolton, Nottingham Playhouse, Cast in Doncaster, Hull Truck Theatre, Shakespeare North in Prescot, Everyman in Liverpool, Derby Theatre
Mercury Theatre in Colchester, Curve in Leicester, Live Theatre Newcastle and Northern Stage in Newcastle.

Together we have supported 75 Deaf, Disabled and neurodivergent artists in developing their careers, taking on new challenges & building successful connections.

Artists were directly contacted to at least one of our partner venues, offered mentoring and guidance from both Graeae team and the venues plus a small micro bursary, a series of online workshops, tickets to Graeae shows and a final showcase event held at one of the partner venues.

The next Beyond programme is yet to be announced later in 2027. In the meantime we hope that the national network of artistic support and development for Deaf, Disabled and neurodivergent artists continues through the Beyond venues.

Please keep in touch with Graeae’s social media and this website for further updates on our Beyond Programme.