Europe Beyond Access

Breaking the glass ceiling of performing arts

Across the performing arts and across Europe, disabled artists are pushing the boundaries of form, and are presenting audiences, fellow artists and arts professionals with one of the creative opportunities of our time.

Europe Beyond Access has once again been funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union and will run for four years, from 2024 to 2027.

EBA Learning Journeys

For disabled artists, producers and promoters, funders and policymakers.

A series of digital toolkits and educational resources: films, discussions, podcasts, creative tasks, reports and more to support professional development!

Latest news

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Europe Beyond Access launches its Deaf Strategy on the International Day of Sign Languages

A Deaf man signing. He wears a black shirt. The background is white.

Developed with Deaf artists and interpreters, the strategy reinforces our commitment to greater participation and representation for Deaf artists across our programme

Perform Europe Launches Third Open Call to Support Cross-Border Touring in the Performing Arts

OPEN CALL Supporting Cross-border touring of performing arts

1.4 million to support touring proposals across 41 Creative Europe countries. Among the priorities: diversity and inclusion. Deadline: 22 October 2026

Europe Beyond Access on the Road: Connecting with International Cultural Networks

A man on a wheelchair and a woman standing in front of a screen. They are presenting their work to an audience

Strengthening international connections and sharing knowledge: a vital part of EBA

Events

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Disabled Artists Scratch Night

Three people dance in a bright art gallery. One participant uses a wheelchair, while two others strike expressive dance poses beside a large abstract painting. Additional artworks line the white gallery walls, creating an open and contemporary museum setting.

Date: June 25, 2026

Thursday 25 February 2026, Cube – Project Art Center, Dublin, Ireland

Teatr Klucz: INTRO

The surface features intricate embroidery, stitching, and varied materials, creating an abstract, patchwork-like design with visible seams, folds, and decorative patterns.

Date: May 28, 2026

Thursday 28 May 2026, The Grand Hall – ZAMEK Culture Centre, Poznan (Poland)

Skånes Danseteater: MAY FALL

Three performers are arranged frontally on a stage, standing and sitting still as if posing for a formal portrait. A deep red velvet curtain fills the background, creating a theatrical setting. At the center, one performer sits in a wheelchair, facing forward, with hands resting together on their lap. They wear a light blue shirt, a warm-toned checkered skirt, orange tights, and dark sneakers. On either side of them stand two performers, both upright and composed. The performer on the left wears a dark blue long-sleeved jumpsuit with a light belt, arms relaxed at their sides. The performer on the right wears a brown jacket, a light shirt, and a green skirt, standing with feet firmly on the ground. To the far left of the scene, slightly separated from the group, a small wooden table holds a lit candle and a bowl of fruit.

Date: January 30, 2026

30 January – Thursday 16 April 2026, Skånes Danteater, Östra Varvscenen 13a, Mälmo (Sweden)

Artists

A selection of the Artists working with us at Europe Beyond Access

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Diana Niepce

Katarzyna Żeglicka

Madeleine Månsson

Joanna Pawlik

Filip Pawlak

Laila White

Diana Anselmo

Sophia Neises

Michael Turinsky

Manolis Saridakis

Dalibor Šandor

Yesol Kim

Would you like to stay informed?

We use both the term “artist with disability” and “disabled artist”. We are aware that different countries and languages use different terminology. Even in English-speaking countries, terminology favoured by activists differs. We are also aware that different people define themselves in different ways, and that people self-define as they prefer. When we use the term “disabled” or “with disability” we include those who are Deaf, Neurodivergent and chronically ill. We know that some Deaf people prefer to define themselves as part of a marginalised language group, and not as disabled. Yet we also know that for other Deaf people allyship with others experiencing barriers within society (including in the cultural sector) is an important part of their identity. At its heart, Europe Beyond Access focuses attention on the artistic innovation that so often accompanies artists who have not been part of the mainstream cultural sector.