Cultivating Connection: for Disabled and Neurodivergent Artists

We know it’s often hard for disabled and neurodivergent people to meet peers because of the physical, environmental and financial barriers in the arts. This event series provides an informal space to gather, support each other, and invest in artistic practice.

At each Cultivating Connection event, a different artist or arts worker offers an insight into their practice with a low-key workshop – whether through movement, poetry, or discussion. There will also be open time for socialising, with free food and a paid bar.

These events are open to anyone who considers themselves an artist, performer, or maker – whether professional, aspiring or hobbyist. They are specifically held for people who experience ableism, and staffed by people with those lived experiences.

How much does it cost?

Tickets are pay what you feel, from £3 – £7, as a small contribution towards the cost of running the event. Thank you to those who select a higher ticket price – you are supporting others who are financially disadvantaged to attend.

Where is it taking place?

CDS and Poplar Union are partnering on this project, connecting our respective East London creative communities offsite in their wheelchair accessible building.

Accessibility

Poplar Union is a street level, single floor building with two accessible toilets. They are fitted with an in-built induction loop for hearing aid users. Lifts are available at nearby DLR stations – Langdon Park, Westferry, Poplar and All Saints.

All workshops are designed with a range of access needs and learning styles in mind. If you would like to discuss your access requirements, or you would like to be considered to lead a future event, please get in touch with CDS staff member Frances Morgan: frances@chisenhaledancespace.co.uk

About the workshop leader

Tobi Adebajo is an anti-disciplinary artist exploring the question: “Who is not in this space? And why?” Their projects are curated to highlight the inaccessibility of society for and to other’d bodies, encouraging freedom with/in movement whilst celebrating survival.

Chisenhale Dance Space has been a supportive home for dance and performance in East London for over 40 years. We are led by the CDS Artist Community, 200 independent artists invested in building community, developing their practices, and advocating for progressive change in the arts. Together we seek to challenge how work is made & who gets to make it, with an emphasis on inclusion, equity, & process over product.