This research series includes Time to Act and Time to Act: Two Years On.
About Time to Act
The Time To Act report provides the first transnational evidence that lack of knowledge in the mainstream cultural sector is a key barrier preventing disabled artists and arts professionals participating equally in European culture. Based on a large-scale open survey covering 42 countries, a series of in-depth interviews, and an analysis of existing literature, reports and guidance, Time to Act identifies gaps in knowledge and confidence and asks who should be doing more to support equal access.
Key findings
- The adoption of policy frameworks to ensure accessibility and the work of specialised organisations in the field of arts and disability are key to moving effective practice and knowledge forward.
- National and regional governments should be encouraged to undertake relevant studies on cultural participation among disabled people where data and evidence is lacking.
- The work of international networks and projects on arts and disability have contributed to exchanging practices, to identifying needs, and to the progressive emergence of a common language, mutual knowledge, and more visibility for the field of arts and disability.
- Despite the availability of toolkits, reports, checklists and good practice guides, more progress is needed to take advantage of these resources. Overall, the cultural sector still needs to embark on the 'accessibility journey'.
- Engaging with 'gatekeepers' is key to adopting a more inclusive approach in their respective areas of work.
- Involving disabled communities in the design, implementation and evaluation of policies and programmes should be a central part of strategies in this area.
- It is necessary to understand the intersectional dimension and how gender, socioeconomic inequalities, ethnicity, and other considerations generate specific challenges for disabled people. Mechanisms allowing a specific appreciation of these situations and tailored responses will be necessary.
Download the Time to Act report
About Time to Act: Two Years On
Time To Act: Two Years On takes stock of the contribution made by the Europe Beyond Access project in some of the countries where it has been implemented and analyses changes since the first report was published. The research shows some achievements and successes to celebrate, which have occurred since then, but also some outstanding challenges which continue to obstruct the professional participation of disabled artists in the European performing arts scene. These identified challenges should be addressed by future projects.
Key findings
- Progress has been achieved, particularly in the countries where organisations, disabled professionals and policymakers have taken a commitment to foster change. It demonstrates that multi-country, long-term actions lead to change, however progress continues to be necessary even where advancements have been made.
- There is more awareness about accessibility, in a context where equality, diversity and inclusion gain relevance, at least in some countries.
- There are very significant regional differences across Europe, which need to be addressed. Opportunities for disabled artists differ significantly as a result of resources available, political will, mindset shifts, and the availability of knowledge. In general, countries in Northern and Western Europe are doing better in these areas than those in Southern and Eastern Europe.
- EU-funded projects and initiatives have made significant contributions in raising awareness about accessibility and participation, presenting the work of disabled artists across borders, helping to build capacities, and contributing to the emergence of a coalition of dedicated professionals and organisations.
- The availability of dedicated policies and budgets makes a difference. Progress has been achieved particularly in countries where access is a policy priority, and where organisations have dedicated budgets for accessibility, inclusion and participation.
- Knowledge on how to make the performing arts more accessible to everyone is not yet sufficiently widespread. In the countries where it is available, it contributes to triggering change. Data collection and dissemination, capacity-building and peer-learning, and good practice transfer need to be seen as priorities.