EUROPE BEYOND ACCESS

Europe Beyond Access is the biggest transnational project in the world supporting disabled and Deaf artists to break the glass ceilings of contemporary dance and theatre. The project started in 2018, and in 2024 the second generation has been co-funded once again by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union and will run for another 4 years, to 2027.

The new programme will:

• commission and present dozens of new dance and theatre works created by artists with disabilities. 3 major international co-productions will sit alongside 19 other new commissioned works, and 20 presentations of existing touring works – presented across 10 countries.
• support artists with disabilities to internationalise their innovative artistic practices, and reduce the geographic and artistic isolation uniquely experienced by artists with disabilities. Hundreds of artists from across Europe will participate in Residences, Workshops and multi-national Artistic Laboratories.
• develop tools and understanding in the wider performing arts market – sharing our belief that the European cultural sector must urgently reduce barriers experienced by artists with disabilities.

Europe Beyond Access is run by 10 high-profile European cultural organisations.

We acknowledge that we are not specialist Arts & Disability organisations. We have a lot to learn if we are to become truly accessible cultural institutions. During the four years of EBA we will learn from experts and from each other – improving our own practices and sharing what we learn with the wider cultural sector. What we do know already is that artistically we are energised by the current generation of Deaf and disabled performing artists who are making innovative and excellent works. Through EBA we will support these artists, and bring their works to national and international prominence.

Fore more information about Europe Beyond Access, visit the dedicated project website: europebeyondaccess.com 

Are you a Deaf and/or disabled artist based in Europe with a passion for dance, choreography, or movement? Do you have experience of leading an artistic process? Europe Beyond Access invites you to apply for co-production support to bring your artistic vision to life!

European Open Call for Deaf and/or disabled artists who are seeking co-producers for new artistic works based in dance practice, choreography or movement.

We want to support artists to make more ambitious and innovative work.

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer Co-Production financial support of between €15,000 and €40,000 per project for you to make your work.

We are looking for new works that can be presented at two or more of our partners’ venues, companies or festivals.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 19^th May 2024, 23:59 CEST.

Shortlisted artists will be asked to submit a final application by 18 September 2024, 23.59 CEST.

A minimum of three new productions or artistic projects will be supported.

WHO CAN APPLY

If you self-define as Deaf or disabled, you are eligible to apply.

EBA Co-productions must be led by one or more Deaf and/or disabled artists, or productions may be led by collectives that include disabled artists in equal positions of leadership.

The application itself must be made by the Deaf and/or disabled lead artist or artists, or those working collaboratively.

The lead artist(s) must have previous experience of making work, in either local, national or international contexts.

Proposals can come from independent artists with or without a producer or production support*; or proposals can come from artists working with established companies.

We are open to receiving project proposals which have already, or will have, other co-producers or support from other funds. We will ask you about this in the application process.

Artists must be resident in one of the countries of the European Union, or in any of the following countries: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Tunisia, United Kingdom and Ukraine.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We want to support artists to make more ambitious and innovative work. This could be a first international production and/or include more collaborators for example. However, proposals should be achievable and be a logical next step in your practice or career.

We are looking for new works that can be presented at two or more of our partners’ venues, companies or festivals. We are flexible on how the works can be presented but they must be suitable to be shown in different locations.

We are looking for new ideas and projects that are:

• Led artistically by Deaf and/or disabled artists
• Based in dance practice, choreography or movement, or in multidisciplinary projects that explore body and motion
• Presented on stage or in an alternative format (for example film, installation or site-specific)
• Of the highest artistic quality
• Treating accessibility as part of the artistic practice
• Taking care of the needs of the artists involved in the creative process

Submitted ideas and projects can be at various stages of development but must not yet be in production.

We have two separate documents to provide you with more information: EBA OPEN CALL and EBA COPRODUCTIONS APPLICATION GUIDE.

Expressions of Interests must be submitted using the dedicated platform. The application platform is specifically designed to support access. It allows for Written, Audio or Sign Language Video Applications.

You will find more information about this call on the website: europebeyondaccess.com

Are you interested in applying for EBA co-production support? Would you like to better understand the open call’s process? Check Out the Webinar (Recorded on April 4th at 3 p.m. – CEST).