DaDaFest International 40 launches with stunning waterfront spectacle

DaDaFest International 40 (DDFI40) has officially opened with a powerful launch event, marking 40 years of Liverpool’s award-winning disability and Deaf arts-led organisation.

The celebration, which took place on International Women’s Day (8 March), featured a spectacular large-scale artwork projection on the Cunard Building, as well as the unveiling of a new photography exhibition at Open Eye Gallery.

The opening of DaDaFest also featured a live performance of Unwoven, a specially commissioned poem by Liverpool poet Amina Atiq.

Artists and creatives from across the UK gathered at Open Eye Gallery on Mann Island, where attendees heard from key figures including DaDa Trustee Christine Bithell, Liverpool City Council’s Arts and Participation Manager Alicia Smith, DaDa Chief Executive Zoe Partington, and Executive Producer Rachel Rogers.

The celebration continued at the Pier Head, where guests were treated to Hand Ships Sail, a mesmerising ‘poetic conversation’ in British Sign Language, created by Deaf artist Cathy Mager and her company Spectrascope.

DaDaFest International 40 (DDFI40), running until 31 March at locations across Liverpool city centre and beyond, marks the 40th anniversary of DaDa, the Liverpool-based award-winning disability and Deaf arts-led organisation.

DaDa, founded in 1984, develops and presents excellent disability and Deaf arts through an artistic programme that includes high quality festivals, interventions and events, fed in to by a year-round programme of engagement work with developing and established artists, young disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent people, their families and the wider community.

The festival has the theme Rage: A Quiet Riot! and the programme includes film, including large-scale projection, performances, visual arts, workshops and talks.

With 90% of events open to the public for FREE the organisation is encouraging supporters to help it to keep it that way through donations.

Festival Highlights

Film

• Hand Ships Sail (8 March): A poetic BSL film projected onto the Cunard Building.
• FACT Screening (18 March): A selection of short films reflecting on the festival theme, featuring works by Dolly Sen, Dora Colquhoun, and Amina Atiq.

Live Performance

• Pimp My Wheelchair (9 March – 30 March, Sefton Park Palm House): A powerful installation by Faith Bebbington and Janet Price, featuring mobility aids ‘pimped up’ with plant-inspired sculptures symbolising resilience.
• Shooting From Below (21 March, Unity Theatre): A work-in-progress performance by Midgitte Bardot (Tamm Reynolds) exploring attitudes towards dwarfism.
• Not F**in’ Sorry (22 March, Unity Theatre): A bold, unapologetic ‘punk crip cabaret’ by Not All Your Circus Dogs, co-produced by The Hale and Access All Areas.
• Rage Reactor (22-23 March, The Bluecoat): Artist Zack Mennell presents a performance piece using NHS and DWP letters alongside family archives to explore childhood trauma.

Visual Arts

• Rage, Riot and Revolution (8-31 March, Open Eye Gallery): A photography exhibition by Jan Williams celebrating the activism and resilience of disabled women.
• Painting in Light (8-31 March, multiple venues): Light sculptures by Zoe Partington, bringing visibility to disabled experiences through art.

Workshops and Talks

• How F*cked Are We? (15 March, Edge Hill Station): A long-table discussion exploring climate change and disability.
• Ignite: First-Time Arts Council Applicants (24 March, Zoom): A session offering guidance for disabled artists on securing Arts Council funding.

The Bluecoat Weekender (22-23 March)

DaDaFest’s long-time home, The Bluecoat, will host a weekend of live performances, installations, storytelling, and networking opportunities, including:

• Would You Like a Seat? – An interactive performance by Dora Colquhoun.
• Pop-Up Poetry by Amina Atiq.
• DaDaFest Festival Hub and Quiet Space – A dedicated venue for networking and reflection.

For more info on DaDaFest head to the festival’s website.

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