Disabled people around the globe faced unique and unprecedented additional challenges in 2020 – due to lack of access, stereotypical assumptions and ableism and, for some, increased clinical susceptibility to COVID-19. As vaccines beckon and ‘new normals’ emerge, both Unlimited and the British Council want to ensure disabled artists are able to respond confidently with alternative options and models to do what they always do: help us imagine the world differently.
“We want 2021 to be a year of building – relationships, bridges, connections, and new dreams that take the best of what we have learnt from lockdown and amplify it, taking us forward into a more sustainable future for all. One thing that we have all realised is that geographic distance needn’t stop us collaborating or planning ahead. This new fund has been designed to respond to this time, providing space and opportunity for up to 20 pairs of artists or collectives to be supported to begin those processes.”, Abby Hoffman, member of Unlimited states.
“International arts projects sometimes focus on wealthier countries. However, with this initiative, we aim to strengthen links between UK artists and practitioners from countries that are low to middle-income.”
What will be funded?
Funded by British Council and administered by Unlimited, these micro awards are to support artists in this uncertain time to build connections/collaborations, rather than to create work. The funding can cover a range of purposes – for example, reflecting on past work, using the time to explore different creative processes together, or even planning to create small iterations of new work, if relevant.
Each application must be led by a UK disabled artist or company/collective working with a UK disabled artist and applications can be for up to £2500. This includes up to £1000 for each artist or collective, and up to £500 for administration, translation, and equipment. Access funding is available separately – both to support access to applications and/or access to support the project.
Each pair will be led by a disabled artist or collective based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, pairing up with a disabled artist or collective based in selected countries and territories eligible to receive official development assistance (ODA).
There will be two rounds with up to ten awards available for each round. If you apply for round one and are selected, you cannot apply for round two. If you apply to round one and are not selected, you can apply to round two but not with the same idea or partnership.
- Deadline for round one: noon, Tuesday 23 March 2021
- Deadline for round two: noon, Tuesday 18 May 2021
You can read more information here.
Unlimited is an arts commissioning programme that enables new work by disabled artists to reach UK and international audiences.
Photo by Jo Verrent
