AM (the app and website for showcasing the arts in Wales) and Disability Arts Cymru are delighted to announce the beginning of a significant partnership that will see them working together to drive meaningful change in the cultural sector in Wales for the next three years.
For too long, disabled and Deaf artists have not been given enough openings to share and create work due to many different reasons. Preconceived stereotypes can limit how artists with the lived experience of ableism are given spaces to develop and share their skills and work.
This huge resource of talent and creativity needs positive interventions and support, so we welcome this two-way partnership to share our platforms and promote this work together. We will impart learning from both organisations to ensure more equality, opportunity and understanding becomes accepted as part of the sector.
As part of a three year plan which will see focus on wider exposure for DAC’s Featured Artist series and co-promotion of new events and openings, DAC will support the promotion and recognition through spotlights on the AM website/app and likewise will ensure the 400+ members have opportunity to connect with AM. AM will meanwhile platform, promote and advise members and work from deaf and disabled artists as well as pursue an agenda with DAC to increase opportunities and push deaf and disabled art to the centre of cultural life in Wales. DAC members will also benefit from access and services from AM’s sister organisation PYST – a distribution and promotion set-up for Welsh music.
The partnership will also see representatives of both organisations take advisory roles on each other’s governing Boards. In addition, DAC’s logo will be seen on the AM website and app homepage as a key partner.
Quotes:
“This partnership is such an important one for DAC and we are glad to be working as equals with AM” Ruth Fabby MBE, Director DAC
“It’s a privilege to be able to work closer with DAC and to play a small part in trying to bring about much needed change in the sector and society” Alun Llwyd, Chief Executive AM