arts, access, action

An edgy programme is today being unveiled for the UK’s leading Deaf and Disability Arts festival.  The action is taking place in Liverpool, with a completely new look festival running from 4-7 September.

DaDaFest International 2008 has expanded its programme to include artists from around the globe with innovative and experimental work plus the popular classics returning to wow audiences from previous festivals.  The festival includes an exhibition by a photographer with no legs who uses a skateboard to get around, beautiful aerial dance pieces using crutches, a learning disabled punk band, a real live mermaid and much more.

Events will centre around The A Foundation on Greenland Street, with some breakaway performances mainly at The Bluecoat; The Picket and St George’s Hall.  Now in its eighth year, the festival is run by North West Disability Arts Forum (NWDAF), which has recently moved to The Bluecoat in the city centre of Liverpool.  Visitors will also be able to see everything from artworks exploring the idea of normality and irreverent comedy to racy burlesque. 

New Artistic Director Garry Robson said: We’ve got a fantastically exciting line up this year, bringing in creative and ground-breaking work from all over the world.  The programme features some of the very best Deaf and Disabled performers on Earth.  Whether you have been interested in Deaf and Disability arts in the past or not, now is the time to get interested…we have some acts who are already famous and those who are destined to be so.  This is one part of Liverpool European Capital of Culture year not to be missed.

A festival pass is available for just £55 (£27.50 concessions) to give ticket-holders access to all four days of action.  Alternatively passes can be bought for single days or for individual events. 

Michael Eakin, Regional Executive Director of Arts Council England North West said: DaDafest's commitment to profiling innovative work has earned the festival superb recognition as a showcase for Deaf and disability arts in our region. Not only does the festival inspire other Deaf and disabled artists who are creating art, or would like to create in the future, but it contributes to the unique cultural identity of our region in providing great art for everyone to enjoy.

Tickets go on sale this week.  Call The Bluecoat box office on 0151 702 5324 and more information will be available at www.nwdaf.co.uk in the lead up to the festival.

Media enquiries to Clare Trenholm, Marketing and PR Manager for DaDaFest International 2008, publicity@nwdaf.co.uk or 0151 703 2251.  The full programme and numerous images are available on request.

Highlights:

Ju Gosling – internationally-known artist Ju has explored the ideas of normality in her exhibition Abnormal, showing at A Foundation. 
Kevin Connolly – A photographer who has no legs and uses a skateboard to get around, who has recorded people’s reaction to his impairment.
Denise Leigh – winner of Channel 4’s Operatunity performs at St George’s Hall with accordion virtuoso Stefan Andrusyschyn.
DaDaLesque – an edgy burlesque show with world-famous stars like Millie Dollar and Julie Atlas Muz teaching DaDaFest regular Mat Fraser how it’s done, at the Bluecoat.
Heavyload – A learning disabled punk rock band will take the festival by storm, at The Picket.
DaDaRave – a hedonistic night of dance and music for Deaf people at the Picket. 
Claire Cunningham – aerial dance takes on a whole new meaning with Claire creating astounding crutch-based performances.
Oska Bright – A mini film festival and workshop with learning disabled day centre users, at the CUC.