Graeae’s bespoke Artist Development programme started in 2020. It has supported 48 Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists in developing their careers, taking on new challenges & building successful connections.
Beyond is helping 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.
This year, Graeae have teamed up with 7 leading venues across England; Octagon Theatre in Bolton, Nottingham Playhouse, Cast in Doncaster, Hull Truck, Shakespeare North in Prescot, Everyman in Liverpool and Derby Theatre. Together we are creating a national network of artistic support and development for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.
Beyond Artists 2023
Helena Ascough, Actor/Writer/Theatre maker
Liverpool Everyman + PlayhouseÂ
Stevie Cairns, Writer
Cast (Doncaster)
Ash Cox, Devising Theatre Maker
Octagon Theatre (Bolton)
Farrell Cox, Performer/Theatre maker
Nottingham Playhouse
Stephen Crofts, Technician/LX Designer
Nottingham Playhouse/Derby TheatreÂ
Helen East, Writer
Octagon Theatre (Bolton)
Dale Edwards, Director
Liverpool Everyman + Playhouse
Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock, Writer/Performer/Theatre maker
Cast (Doncaster)
Kao Hove, Multidisciplinary artist
Graeae
Emily Howlett, Director
Nottingham Playhouse
Sam Jamil, Actor/Writer/ Theatre Maker
Octagon Theatre (Bolton)
Sarah Kolawole, Writer
Derby TheatreÂ
Jonny Leitch, Aerialist/Musician/Theatre maker/Sound Designer
Graeae
Finch Murphy, Theatremaker, Writer and Drag Artist
Graeae
Emily Oetegenn, Writer
Hull Truck Theatre
Lee Shannon (Leebo Luby, L.H.S), Actor/Writer/Theatre Maker
Shakespeare North Playhouse (Prescot)
Emily Webster, Writer/Actor/Performer
Derby TheatreÂ
Alexandra Whiteley, Director
Graeae
Ben Wilson. Actor/Theatre maker/Director
Shakespeare North Playhouse (Prescot)
‘I was so so happy to be part of Beyond as I wanted to be on the scheme the moment I heard about it – accessible practice is so important to myself and who better to learn from then Graeae!’ Helena Ascough
‘I am so pleased to be on Graeae’s Beyond project and having the opportunity to work alongside a wide range of creatives. I will be developing a one-woman show about sight-loss and I’m hoping to use this programme to broaden my knowledge as well as developing my writing skills. It’s going to be a fabulous 18 months.’ Stevie Cairns
‘I’m over the moon to be developing ‘Space Chronic-ills’ with support from Graeae and the Octagon, following in the footsteps of many disabled artists who I have long admired.’ Ashley Cox
‘I’m so excited to be working with Cast and Graeae as part of BEYOND. I’m really looking forward to growing and honing my practice as a writer, and working with Cast to foster connections with artists in my home county whilst also learning skills to work with my neurodivergence instead of against it. Over the moon!’ Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock
‘I’m thrilled and grateful to be on the Beyond programme, working with Graeae. I’m excited to work towards a project, whilst feeling able to work at a pace that suits my needs – and not have to over explain that!’ Kao Hove
‘I’m really looking forward to being able to access artist development at my brain’s pace and learning ways to create.’ Sarah Kolawole
‘I’m a neuroqueer drag artist, and I’m excited to explore and develop my theatremaking skills with a team that is intersectional and shares my enthusiasm for disabled arts’ Finch Murphy
‘I am hugely excited to be part of the beyond program because it means I get to work with and build on my relationships with two organisations, Shakespeare North Playhouse and Graeae, who I am a huge fan of and to spend some time devoted to my life as an artist.’ Ben Wilson
Related
Meet some of our 2020 Beyond artists
From to
Beyond Artist – Alice Evans
From to
Beyond Artist – Gemma Lees
From to
Beyond Artist – Neal Pike
