Photo: Pinelopi Gerasimou

Europe Beyond Access

Empowering Disabled Artists in the European Cultural Scene

Europe Beyond Access is the biggest trans-national project in the world supporting disabled and Deaf artists to break the glass ceilings of contemporary dance and theatre. The project started in 2018, and in 2024 the second generation has been co-funded once again by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.

Onassis Stegi proudly participates in Europe Beyond Access, a groundbreaking European program dedicated to integrating disabled performing artists into the mainstream of the cultural scene. Our involvement in this initiative underscores the ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the arts.

The First Cycle (2018-2023)

Coordinated by the British Council (UK), the first cycle of Europe Beyond Access brought together a consortium of cultural institutions, including Onassis Stegi, to pioneer innovative approaches to inclusivity in the arts. Through workshops, mentorship, and commissioned works, the first cycle laid the groundwork for a more inclusive cultural landscape in Europe.

The Second Cycle (2024-2027)

The Second Cycle (2024-2027):

Coordinated by Skånes Dansteater (Sweden), the second cycle of Europe Beyond Access builds upon the achievements of the first cycle, expanding its reach and impact across the European cultural scene. Onassis Stegi, alongside nine leading European cultural organizations, continues to play a crucial role in commissioning new works, supporting the creative journey of artists with disabilities, and developing tools to eliminate barriers for disabled artists.

The new program will:

commission and present new dance and theatre works created by artists with disabilities. 3 major international co-productions , 19 new commissioned works, and 20 presentations of existing touring works – will be presented across 10 countries.
support artists with disabilities to internationalize their innovative artistic practices, and overcome geographic and artistic obstacles experienced by artists with disabilities. Hundreds of artists from across Europe will participate in Residences, Workshops and multi-national Artistic Laboratories.
develop tools and raise awareness in the wider performing arts market – sharing our belief that the European cultural sector must urgently eliminate the barriers experienced by artists with disabilities.

Photo: Pinelopi Gerasimou

Onassis Stegi's Role

As an active participant in Europe Beyond Access, Onassis Stegi plays a pivotal role in driving positive change within the European cultural sphere. Contributions include offering comprehensive support to disabled artists through tailored programs and initiatives, providing accessible tools and resources to ensure that productions are welcoming and inclusive to audiences with disabilities, and collaborating with European partners to coordinate and implement the objectives of the Europe Beyond Access program, amplifying its impact and reach.

Network

Europe Beyond Access is run by 10 high-profile European cultural organisations, which made up the EBA Consortium: Skånes Dansteater (Sweden), Holland Dance Festival (Netherlands), Onassis Stegi (Greece), Oriente Occidente (Italy), Kampnagel - Internationales Zentrum für schönere Künste (Germany), CODA Oslo International Dance Festival (Norway), Centrum Kultury ZAMEK (Poland), Project Arts Centre (Ireland), Mercat de les Flors (Spain), Culturgest - Fundação CGD (Portugal).

Europe Beyond Access is co-funded by the Creative Europe program of the European Union. The project is joined by Associate Partner British Council (UK), who initiated and led the first Europe Beyond Access program from 2018-2023. British Council now joins us to share news of the project across Europe and across the world. The British Council also supports the participation of UK artists within the EBA project.

The project is also joined by the consortium of Big Pulse Dance Alliance – a large group of contemporary dance festivals strengthening and expanding the reach of contemporary dance. Finally, the project is joined by seven key European cultural networks and institutions – all committed to extending access in the cultural sector for disabled artists and audiences: IETM - International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts; European Dance Development Network; European Festival Association; On the Move – the International Cultural Mobility network; ELIA - European Network of Higher Arts Education; Flanders Arts Institute / Kunstenpunt; and UnLabel Performing Arts Company and Policy Exchange specialist.

The first cycle of the network was coordinated by the British Council (UK) in partnership with British Council (UK), Onassis Stegi (Greece), Holland Dance Festival (The Netherlands), Kampnagel (Germany), Per.Art (Serbia), Skånes Dansteater (Sweden), Oriente Occidente (Italy)