A charity held by disabled people is set to open a new performing arts studio in Belfast's city center.
The University of Atypical for Arts and Disability is behind the Ledger Studio, which will be located on Royal Avenue and will host deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse artists performing theatre, comedy, dance, music, and spoken word.
The studio will open on October 7 to coincide with the start of the Bounce Arts Festival, which will feature work by deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse artists at venues throughout Belfast and Derry, as well as online in Fermanagh and Omagh.
University of Atypical's Damien Coyle stated: "Our fantastic Bounce Arts festival has grown over the last decade, and we are excited to launch an exciting and eclectic program that includes music, performance and visual art, drama and dance, as well as a book launch by one of the Chris Ledger Legacy Award recipients.
"While we strive to make Bounce events as accessible to D/deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse audiences as possible, we want Bounce to be for everyone."
He continued:
"And, thanks to the new Ledger Studio, we will be able to reach even more people throughout the year.
"This is an incredible tribute to Chris, who has done so much for the arts and disability in Northern Ireland."
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Christina Black, stated: "It's an honor to collaborate with the region's only festival dedicated to showcasing outstanding new work by D/deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse creators.
"It's so encouraging to see the progress that's been made over the last decade - and I have no doubt that the University of Atypical will achieve even greater things in the coming decade and beyond.""
People with disabilities are more likely than others to face disadvantage. They are more likely to be poor. They are more likely to be unemployed. The global society is reducing these forms of inequalities.
More information: https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2022/09/21/news/disabled-led_charity_to_open_new_performing_arts_studio_in_belfast-2834445/