2024/2025 marked a major milestone for DaDa: 40 years of championing disability arts, activism and access. Over four decades, DaDa has worked to ensure disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent artists can develop their practice, share their work and influence the cultural sector. This year’s impact report highlights just how powerful that work continues to be and we are thrilled to share it with you.
Download the full report here:
PDF Version Plain Text Version Easy Read Version
Print and large print hard copies are available by request through info@dadafest.co.uk
Below is a summary of the key findings from the report.
Supporting Disabled Artists to Thrive
Artist development remains at the heart of DaDa’s work. Over the past year:
148 disabled artists worked with DaDa through development programmes
36 workshops were delivered by DaDa and its associates
19 digital projects were produced
9 short films premiered
7 exhibitions were curated showcasing disability arts and activism
These programmes create opportunities for artists to develop new work, build confidence and connect with collaborators across the cultural sector.
As one participant from the DaDa Makes Music programme shared:
“I enjoyed making more music with the rest of the gang, and playing new chords every week… because it teaches me new chords. So then for future music, I know what I'm doing.”
A Landmark Year for DaDaFest
The organisation also celebrated its anniversary through DaDaFest International 40, themed “Rage: A Quiet Riot.” The festival explored frustration with ongoing inequalities while celebrating disabled creativity and activism.
The impact was significant:
- 100% of commissioned artists identified as disabled
- 90% of festival events were free to attend
- 47% of audience members identified as disabled
- 561,234 estimated footfall across festival activity
- 29,600 direct engagements across events
Audience feedback captured the spirit of the festival:
“The launch was so fun, refreshing and joyful. To be with disabled people who understand. Disabled people’s lives should be full of happiness, compassion, love and kindness — not just struggles and frustration.”
Creating Change Across the Cultural Sector
DaDa’s influence extends beyond the festival itself through partnerships and advocacy. By collaborating with organisations such as Liverpool Biennial and other cultural partners, DaDa helps reshape how access and inclusion are approached across the arts.
The results are tangible:
1 in 3 partners implemented new access measures after working with DaDa
100% said their perception of disability had changed
100% said they are now more likely to work with disabled artists
As one partner reflected:
“Every experience of working with disabled artists gives us new ways of working and developing our understanding.”
Looking Ahead
As DaDa enters its fifth decade, the organisation remains focused on ambition, inclusion and systemic change. Future plans include supporting more disabled artists to develop their work, sharing expertise on accessibility across the sector, and creating new conversations around issues such as climate justice and disability.
Forty years on, the message remains clear: disability arts are vital to the cultural landscape — and DaDa continues to lead the way.