Spaces of Joy was a nationwide 12-week pilot programme for freelance producers of contemporary performance, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, resources and networks for working with and feeling closer to the practice of Learning Disabled and Neurodivergent (LD/ND) artists.
The guiding aims of the programme were:
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To develop the inclusive practice of producers when working with Learning Disabled and Neurodivergent Artists
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Establish more links between producers, artists and venues to ensure that more Learning Disabled and Neurodivergent artists are having their creative work produced
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Develop the networks of freelance producers with Learning Disabled and Neurodivergent artists
Spaces of Joy was designed and led by Daisy Hale, supported by partner organisations Unity Liverpool, Fuel, Cambridge Junction, Camden Peoples’ Theatre, London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT), Artsadmin, Arts at the Old Fire Station, The Egg, Exeter Phoenix, Hackney Showroom, Battersea Arts Centre, and funded by Arts Council England.
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There were 10 places available for independent freelance producers, selected from an open call, as well as producers from Artsadmin and Fuel, 12 total.
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The 2022 Spaces of Joy Cohort
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The inaugral cohort of Spaces of Joy were.
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Mike Pony, Meg Fozzard, Ailbhe Treacy, Nia Evans, Hart Fargo, Harriet Warnock, Steve Goatman, Moni Onojeruo, Valentina Vela, Lee Smith, Bernie Whittle and Tracy Radford.
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You can read more about each of them here.
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THE PROGRAMME
The core programme was 12 x half day sessions held once a week, each delivered online by a Learning Disabled or Neurodivergent practitioner, artist or producer.
The producers are each paired with a Learning Disabled or Neurodivergent practitioner who will accompany them through the project as a mentor.
Each producer was also paired with a partner organisation who committed to 4 meetings with the producer and their mentor to ensure cross-learning and building a relationship with this organisation for the future. Each organisation will publish commitments they make to improving their inclusive practice with learning disabled and neurodivergent artists as a result of the programme.
Term 1 ran 20th June - 25th July
Term 2 ran 5th September - 10th October
Spaces of Joy Programme Session Schedule
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These are the brilliant practitioners we worked with to deliver Spaces of Joy. We encourage others looking to improve their practice to engage with, hire and collaborate with these brilliant practitioners.
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You can click on underlined text to read more about them and the archive of their session.
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Term 1
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Week 2 - Access All Areas: Learning Disability and Autism awareness and creative support workers
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Week 3 - Sam Holley-Horseman: Accessing 'almost' everything
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Week 4- Vijay Patel : Access Riders
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Week 5 - Flo O’Mahoney : Access Clash
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Week 6 - Sam Metz : Interpreting for people who don't sit still
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Term 2
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Week 7 - Ali Wilson: Off We Go: Beginnings
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Week 8 - Mind the Gap & Cathy Waller: The Money Stuff
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Week 9 - Jess Thom : Supporting with Care
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Week 10 - Toni Dee: Care Practices and ‘the unease’
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Week 11 - Suzanne Alleyne : Living the Future Now
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Week 12 - Paula Dower of DASH & Carrie Slawinska : Accessible Marketing
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