Graeae have created a package of support for the Deaf and disabled freelance workforce.
Posted: 10/03/2022
Thanks to grants from Arts Council England and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Graeae can help connect you with other artists in the industry, help get your projects off the ground, or give you the tools you need to be creative from home.
Access Support for meetings
Zoom meetings are seldom truly accessible. Graeae can arrange and pay for access support to enable you attend networking or industry specific meetings.
This can include interpreters, captioners, note-takers, Easy English papers or creative enablers.
Purchase or loan of technology
To enable you to work as a professional from home Graeae can help you get access to the technology you need. This may include: microphone, camera, tripod, editing software subscription, online or physical data storage, plus some specific access equipment that you have not been able to get through other means.
They will prioritise applications linked to specific projects you are hoping to deliver.
Getting projects off the ground
If you live or work in the North, North East, North West or East Midlands and have a creative project that has reached a wall, Graeae are sharing access to many regional venues that want to help as part of their Beyond scheme.
Free/cheap rehearsal space, shadowing, mentoring, support with sourcing funding the lot.
Applying for funding for projects
Arts Council England have re-opened their Project Grants round. They are looking for applicants from Deaf and disabled freelancers. Graeae are one of a few companies supporting applicants who want help navigating the process.
Applying for personal financial support
If you are in need of funds to tide you over until the workplace opens up for you, you can apply to the Theatre Artists Fund (TAF) for a grant of up to £1,000.
The fund is open to all freelancers working in the industry, but they are acutely aware of the additional barriers for Deaf and disabled applicants wishing to return to work.
For more information and ways to apply for these different types of support do visit their website or contact victoria@graeae.org.
