Shape Arts is a disability-led arts organisation which works to improve access to culture for disabled people by providing opportunities for disabled artists, training cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and through running participatory arts and development programmes. 

Shape's programmes are:

• Shape Open 
• Adam Reynolds Award 
• Shape Collection 
• NDACA 
• Emergent 
• Transforming Leadership 
• NDMAC 
• Commissions and Collaborations

In addition to this, we provide access auditing and training services to arts organisations. Working across the UK and internationally we deliver consultancy that works towards the improvement of cultural services for all disabled people. We find organisations who engage with us are better equipped and more confident in welcoming and working with diverse groups of all kinds, whether as participants, employees or artists.

All of Shape's work is informed by the Social Model of Disability.

Read and download our Annual Reviews

Philosophy: Our founding principle and philosophy is that all disabled people should have the opportunity to participate fully in arts and culture.

Vision: an inspiring and inclusive arts sector, accessible to all.

Mission:  promote great art and inclusive practices, knowledge and learning, ensuring disabled people have active and influential roles in arts and culture - as leaders, artists, participants and audiences, as part of a skilled workforce.

Values:

• Inclusion  
• Ambition
• Creativity  
• Excellence

These values inform and drive our key strategic aims, enshrined in all we plan, think and do. Check out our Aims, Plans and Artistic Statement.

You can find out more about our beginnings in the 1970s as part of the Disability Arts Movement

Want to work with us? Have ideas to help us develop our programmes? Get in touch with the team via [email protected] 

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Image Banner: Tate Exchange 2018, Rachel Cherry