DaDa report reveals four decades of impact supporting disabled artists

Liverpool-based disability and Deaf arts organisation DaDa has released its Social Impact Report 2024/25, highlighting the scale of its work supporting disabled artists and audiences across the UK and internationally.

Founded in 1984, DaDa is one of the country’s longest-standing disability-led arts organisations and the team behind DaDaFest, the UK’s largest and longest-running disability arts festival. The latest report captures the impact of its artist development programmes, partnerships and the landmark 40th anniversary edition of DaDaFest International.

Over the past year, DaDa worked with 148 disabled artists and supported the creation of new exhibitions, films, theatre productions and even a debut album. In total, 36 workshops were delivered alongside 19 digital projects, nine short film premieres, seven exhibitions, new podcasts and three theatre shows.

Partnership work continues to play a key role, with collaborations including Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company and Liverpool Biennial helping to create inclusive programmes that nurture talent and drive change across the sector.

One standout project, Alder Experiences, saw young patients at Alder Hey work with disabled-led film company Twin Vision to create an animated film exploring hospital life. One parent said the experience had a lasting impact on their daughter’s confidence and mental health, describing it as a “brilliant opportunity” that helped her find focus through art.

Music development is another area where DaDa is making a difference. Through DaDa Makes Music, delivered with Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company, young disabled artists have been working alongside professional musicians to create new compositions. One participant said the sessions helped them build confidence and develop new skills for future projects.

The long-term impact of this support can be seen in the journey of DaDa Ensemble member Josh Henderson, who progressed from early workshops to releasing his debut album, Songs of Liverpool for Friends. The album launched at The Bluecoat and later made its way onto the shelves at HMV Liverpool.

Reflecting on his time with DaDa, Josh said: “I think DaDa was the best time for me.”

DaDaFest International 40, themed Rage: A Quiet Riot, brought together more than 70 disabled artists, with all contributors identifying as disabled. Around 90% of events were free, helping drive an estimated footfall of more than 561,000 and nearly 30,000 engagements across the festival.

Audience feedback shows the impact goes beyond the arts, with 76% of attendees saying their understanding of disability as a social issue had improved, while 92% rated accessibility as good or excellent. One visitor described the festival as “fun, refreshing and joyful,” highlighting the importance of spaces where disabled people feel understood.

Artists and partners also praised the level of support provided. Writer and artist Dolly Sen described working with DaDa as “supportive, nurturing and full of vision,” while all surveyed partners said the experience had positively changed their perception of disability and made them more likely to work with disabled artists in future.

That influence is already being felt across the sector, with organisations including Liverpool Biennial introducing new access measures, disability awareness training and improved digital accessibility following their work with DaDa.

Chief Executive Ben Haslam said the report reflects both the scale and depth of DaDa’s work. He added: “This report captures the real impact of what we do — not just in numbers, but in lived experience and meaningful change. We’re proud of our history and excited to keep building on that through new partnerships that support disabled artists to thrive.”

DaDa has been an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation since 2022, with funding supporting its ongoing programmes alongside backing from Liverpool City Council.

Jen Cleary, Director for Combined Arts and North at Arts Council England, said DaDa has played a vital role in shaping disability arts over the past 40 years, adding that the new report highlights its continued impact across the North West and beyond.

The full Social Impact Report is available here.

Get the latest news around City Region with us at The Guide Liverpool.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.