Graeae’s Bespoke Artist Development Programme started in 2020. Since it's creation it has supported 67 Deaf, Disabled, and neurodivergent artists in developing their careers, taking on new challenges & building successful connections. We are thrilled to announce our next 10 Beyond artists in the 2024 cohort.
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 8 leading venues across England; Octagon Theatre in Bolton, Nottingham Playhouse, Cast in Doncaster, Hull Truck Theatre, Shakespeare North in Prescot, Everyman in Liverpool, Derby Theatre, and Mercury Theatre in Colchester. Together we are creating a national network of artistic support and development for Deaf, Disabled, and neurodivergent artists.
Meet our Beyond artists
-
Douglas Couch (he/him)
Northern Theatre Maker and Audio Describer Beyond venue is Cast in Doncaster.Douglas Couch (he/him)
Northern Theatre Maker and Audio Describer Beyond venue is Cast in Doncaster. -
Oliver Cross (he/him)
Disabled musician, traditional and electronic instruments. Beyond venue is Octagon Theatre in Bolton.Oliver Cross (he/him)
Disabled musician, traditional and electronic instruments. Beyond venue is Octagon Theatre in Bolton. -
Nicole Hull (she/they)
Autistic creative based in Bolton. Beyond venue is Octagon Theatre in Bolton.Nicole Hull (she/they)
Autistic creative based in Bolton. Beyond venue is Octagon Theatre in Bolton. -
Thomas Alexander Norris (he/him)
An Autistic, LGBTQ, Northern Actor. Beyond venue is Cast in Doncaster.Thomas Alexander Norris (he/him)
An Autistic, LGBTQ, Northern Actor. Beyond venue is Cast in Doncaster. -
Sam Charles Prior (they/them)
Multidisciplinary creative driven to share stories for a better future. Beyond Venue is Shakespeare North Playhouse.Sam Charles Prior (they/them)
Multidisciplinary creative driven to share stories for a better future. Beyond Venue is Shakespeare North Playhouse. -
Pixie Styx (they/them)
Multimedia storyteller and musician. Beyond venue is Nottingham Playhouse.Pixie Styx (they/them)
Multimedia storyteller and musician. Beyond venue is Nottingham Playhouse. -
Catherine Turner (she/her)
Colchester-based writer interested in technology, ethics, and human behaviour. Beyond venue is Mercury Theatre in Colchester.Catherine Turner (she/her)
Colchester-based writer interested in technology, ethics, and human behaviour. Beyond venue is Mercury Theatre in Colchester. -
Katie Walters (they/them)
Autistic and physically disabled artist working in Coventry. Beyond venue is Nottingham Playhouse.Katie Walters (they/them)
Autistic and physically disabled artist working in Coventry. Beyond venue is Nottingham Playhouse. -
Beth Westbrook (she/her)
Neurodivergent writer, performer, facilitator, and wannabe producer with chronic pain. Beyond venue is Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.Beth Westbrook (she/her)
Neurodivergent writer, performer, facilitator, and wannabe producer with chronic pain. Beyond venue is Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse. -
Rebecca A Withey (she/her)
Midlands-based creative professional, working in accessible theatre. Beyond venue is Derby Theatre.Rebecca A Withey (she/her)
Midlands-based creative professional, working in accessible theatre. Beyond venue is Derby Theatre.