22/11/2025
🎓 Systemic Barriers in Arts Education = Fewer Career Opportunities
The research Learning to Change authored by On the Move, and commissioned by Skånes Dansteater in the context of Europe Beyond Access with the support of the British Council, shows major gaps in how performing arts schools support disabled students.
📉 They have been asked asked to rate accessibility across 9 areas: no area meets the minimum standard. Support services, buildings, and timetables were among the lowest-rated.
➡️ The consequence
Many disabled artists never even apply, deterred by legal exclusions, inaccessible entry tests, and exclusionary institutional cultures.
🎭 Why it matters
Graduates of performing arts institutions are twice as likely to have participated in 15+ professional productions compared to those who didn’t attend. Access to education opens doors — and being denied it closes them.
🚨 It's time to break the cycle of exclusion. Let's reimagine arts education as truly open to all.
📅 Join the online launch event of the report to deeply understand and to be part of the change On December 3, 11:00–13:00 CET, International Day of Persons with Disabilities. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_96rY4HADQi6HsAmax1_NWQ #/registration
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Skånes Dansteater (Sweden), Holland Dance Festival (Netherlands), Onassis Stegi (Greece), Oriente Occidente (Italy), Kampnagel - Internationales Zentrum für schönere (Germany), CODA Oslo International Dance Festival (Norway), Centrum Kultury ZAMEK w Poznaniu (Poland), Project Arts Centre, Mercat de les Flors, Culturgest - Fundação CGD (Portugal). We are joined by Associate Partner British Council (UK) and with the collaboration of National de Bretagne (France).
Europe Beyond Access is co-funded by the European Union.
📸 Perception, Theater Jest Jak Jest, ph.Maciej-Kaczynski
Two performers on a dark stage reach toward each other. One stands and extends an arm forward; the other sits in a wheelchair, same gesture. Both wear light-colored costumes with textured fabric. Text on the image reads: “17% of Performing Arts graduates recall being asked about access.” The “Europe Beyond Access” logo appears at the top. Below the main photo, the co-funded by the European Union logo is displayed.