Arcadea Information

Founded by disabled people in 1991 to address the inequality of disabled people in arts and culture, Arcadea is a user led organisation of Disabled People based in Newcastle upon Tyne. We work to create equality of opportunity in arts and culture for disabled people in the North East of England. We do this by supporting and promoting the work of disabled artists, by enabling and facilitating disabled people to access all aspects of the arts, by assisting cultural venues to become inclusive and by presenting a programme of arts and cultural activity. Disabled Peoples contribution to and participation in arts and culture is promoted is valued and is inclusive. To challenge commonly held preconceptions of disabled peoples ability to make great art and to participate in the arts. To create and provide the best opportunities for disabled people to participate in arts and culture. To support disabled artists to take risks, innovate, learn and aspire to excellence in everything they do. To be continually improving our understanding of the needs of disabled people, the cultural environment and our work. Above all else we value the individual, creativity of and creative potential within. We respect the diverse nature of disabled people and value the benefits of difference. We value excellence and quality and those that work towards both. We value our right to challenge discriminatory, poor or neglectful practice where we encounter it.