Beyond is 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.

“I entered the programme an emerging artist and I am leaving a mid-career artist with a plethora of experience, connections and opportunities all stemming from this programme.”

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.

"The industry is saturated with full-on training opportunities and I find that quite exhausting. What sets Beyond apart, and what makes a difference is it is bespoke… designed for you.” (Beyond artist)

Graeae have teamed up with Nottingham Playhouse, to add to its national network of artistic support and development for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.

 “The artists are all really confident and know how to ask for support and feel empowered to talk about their work. They have a plan for their careers. That’s come from the Beyond programme.” (Beyond venue)

Beyond gives breathing space for artistic ambition and to discover creative potential.

 “I am so confident now when entering a room, working on a project, going to an audition. Because of this project I understand how to hold myself as a professional in the industry.”

When?

• The programme runs from September 2023 until March 2025
• The amount of time spent on the programme is set by each individual artist according to their availability.

What?

The programme offers 18 months of bespoke support including:

• mentoring
• practical resources such as industry specific workshops,
• creative spaces
• micro-bursaries
• networking opportunities
• support with funding applications

 Where?

• This programme is designed to support artists who could most benefit from alliances with regional theatres in the North, North East, North West and East Midlands.
• You might live, work or have a deep connection with any of the areas where are partner theatres are based: Bolton, Prescott, Nottingham, Derby, Hull, Liverpool or Doncaster.

Access  

• Graeae has a designated Access Manager who will oversee provision of access for all the artists both in the application process and once artists are on the programme itself.
• Artists access requirements will be met by Graeae or your connected regional theatre.
• If you choose and if appropriate you can also be supported in applying for Access to Work.

 Who can apply?

• You can apply if you are over 18 years old
• You can be at the start, middle or be many years into your career.
• You just need to have a record of commitment to creating live performance (online or in person) as a performer, writer, director, producer, designer or technician.
• There are 20 places available to Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent artists who want to create live performance, develop an idea, find new collaborations, be seen and heard, but cannot get beyond barriers to developing or continuing their practice.

 

How to apply

Stage 1

Complete an Expression of Interest Form. All forms in a variety of accessible formats can be downloaded from the bottom of the webpage  www.graeae.org/beyond

Beyond welcome applications in any format accessible to the artist including via a supported online conversation with Laura Guthrie.

Final date for submitting Expression of Interest form is Monday 26 June 2023

 

Stage 2  

Meeting Invitation. Your Expression of Interest form will be read by Graeae and a partner venue. If it is clear Beyond could be a useful programme for you, a meeting in July or August will be set up for us to talk with you about your work.

 

Stage 3

Programme invitation. Following the meeting if we are all sure Beyond is right for you, we will send you confirmation of your place on the programme by September 2023.   

 

For more information contact:

Manishta Sunnia, Artist Development Coordinator at [email protected]

Beyond is supported by the Arts Council England