Stuart WoodArts organisation Without Walls is celebrating a series of new commissions for disabled artists, who they will support on tours around the UK.
One of these new shows, WIRED by Flex Dance and solo performer George William, has reached the finals of the National Lottery Awards – which celebrate inspirational people and projects that do extraordinary things. They are nominated in the Best Arts Project category.
William, who is a dancer with learning disabilities, was thrilled when he heard the news: “That’s really exciting! I like performing and showing my moves, doing lots of performances all across the country.”
Josephine Burns, chair of Without Walls, says: “Since 2007 we have commissioned over 100 innovative outdoor arts works and this year, we are delighted to support 13 new productions, 3 created by disabled artists which are now touring across the UK and beyond.”
Among the other disability-led companies that Without Walls is supporting are Mind the Gap, one of Europe’s leading learning disability theatre companies, and the Candoco Dance Company, a company of disabled and non-disabled dancers.
Alongside these new shows there will also be previous work that the group have commissioned, including entertaining, family-friendly performances by disabled artists that have a strong political message. These include the Stopgap Dance Company and arts duo Wild N’Beets.
A full list of Without Walls upcoming shows can be found below:
Sat 28 July: Mind The Gap– Mirror Mirror at DN Festival, Doncaster
4 & 5 Aug: Candoco Dance Company – Dedicated to…at Stockton International Riverside Festival
24 & 25 Aug: Wild N’Beets – Bingo Lingo at The Big Feast, Appetite, Stoke-on-Trent
26 & 27 Aug: Candoco Dance Company – Dedicated to…at Lift Off! Wiltshire Creative, Salisbury
1 & 2 Sept: Stopgap Dance Company – Bill and Bobby at Freedom Festival, Hull
1 & 2 Sept: Wild N’Beets – Bingo Lingo at SO Festival, Skegness
29 Sept: Wild N’Beets – Bingo Lingo at Derby Festé