Today, a year on from the close of #DDFI40 we launch our 2024/2025 impact report.
Visit our website to view our full report including plain text, easy read, BSL summary and opportunity to receive a large print copy.
www.dadafest.co.uk/article/cele...
DaDa CEO Zoe Partington dressed in a smart black jacket and trousers holds a mic. Beside her is a BSL interpreter. Behind them are palm trees and foliage.
92% of our audience thought accessibility at DDFI40 was good or excellent
We want to see more arts and culture with access at the heart.
92% of those attending #DDFI40 rated the accessibility good or excellent.
There is a stat we are proud to shout about on Global Accessibility Awareness Day. 🎉
📷 @JessMeadePhoto
A group of people stand side by side, smiling into the camera. They are about to speak at the Rushton Lecture, for DaDaFest. The panellists are: Kaite O'Reily, Julie McNamara, Cheryl Martin and Ruth Fabby. They are dressed formally, they are stood outside in front of the iconic Liver Building, seen in the distance. Blue skies feature.
Kaite O'Reily is pictured delivering her lecture for DaDaFest at the Rushton Lecture. She is holding a few pieces of paper, at a podium, looking upward confidently at the audience. She is stood in front of a wall that is lit with purple lighting. She wears a beige shirt with a blue striped tie.
We are delighted to announce that the Rushton Lecture will be available to view on Thursday! 🥳
Our keynote speaker this year was delivered by Kaite O’Reilly, Kaite explores rage, the theme of #DDFI40 💥
Kaite is joined by a selection of panellists 🗣
To watch, visit: www.youtube.com/@DaDaFest ⬅
A lively stage performance featuring four performers in colorful, theatrical costumes. One performer in a bright green suit and dramatic face makeup sings into a microphone, reaching out energetically. Another performer in a blue suit with white cloud patterns and a blue top hat waves to the audience. Two more performers, one in a red tutu and another in black-and-white striped pants with a red top hat, also animate the scene. Hands of an excited audience are visible in the foreground.
A cheerful performer dressed in a bright blue suit patterned with white clouds smiles widely and extends a blue hat toward the audience. They wear vibrant blue eye makeup and red lipstick, standing in front of a sparkling red curtain backdrop.
A stage performer wears a black and white striped blaze, they have blue eyeshadow that sparkles with a blue clipboard tucked under their arm. They sing into a microphone, their eyes are closed.
Three performers stand together on stage, dramatically pointing toward the camera. The front performer wears a silver sequin vest and a pink tulle skirt. Behind them, a performer in a green suit and another in a cloud-patterned blue suit strike a strong pose, all with bold, theatrical makeup.
Disabled art and joy to start the week? Here it is! 🥳
We were so lucky to host The Not Your Circus Dog collective with 'Not F**kin' Sorry return after their sold-out runs in 2019 and 2022. We had an evening of shameless sexy punk crip cabaret. 💥
What was your #DDFI40 highlight? 💬
An image of News From Nowhere shop window from the outdoor pathway. The shop has a big rainbow across the top window above it's sign. The sign is a scroll with 'News From Nowhere' written on it. There is a pride flag in the window, along with Dolly Sen's Please Rage Generously sculpture.
A group of people walk past a large glass window on a city street. The window belongs to a brick building and features a neon yellow sign reading "Crip Time." Reflections in the glass show more people and a display inside. The scene captures motion blur from the pedestrians, conveying a sense of bustling urban activity.
Art really is everywhere 🎨
During #DDFI40, we made sure art was everywhere across Liverpool city centre, it's so important to us that disability artistry is seen and loved, far and wide.
💥 Please Rage Generously by Dolly Sen
💥 Painting In Light by Zoe Partington
📸 1 Brian Roberts, 2 Tom Horton
At the foreground, someone is pictured holding a phone in the air, filming the action on stage. A lively audience pictured from behind. The background is of performers on stage, blurry, red light.
A promotional graphic for DaDaFest International 40. The background is a solid pink with white and black bold text reading: “provoking, powerful, thoughtful, fun.- Audiences”In the bottom section, the text reads:“DaDaFest International 40 | 8th – 31st March 2025.” In the top right corner is the hashtag "#DDFI40" in white and black.
We're blown away by audience responses to #DDFI40 💥
We asked audiences that attended DDFI40 what words they would use to describe the festival, here's what they said...
We look forward to sharing more of our festival achievements throughout April as we look back with rage in our hearts. 💛
Two women stand smiling and chatting in a bright indoor space with greenery. The woman on the left, with gray hair, wears a white t-shirt with the word “RAGE” and the DaDaFest website printed on it. The woman on the right, with short brown hair and green sunglasses on her head, wears a black and white striped jacket and holds a green paper cup. They appear to be enjoying each other's company.
A bold pink poster with white and black text promoting DaDaFest International 40. The quote reads: “The launch was so fun, refreshing and joyful. To be with disabled people who understand. Disabled people's lives should be full of happiness, compassion, love and kindness not just struggles and frustration.” The bottom of the poster reads, “DaDaFest International 40 | 8th – 31st March 2025.” The top right corner includes the hashtag #DDFI and a “40” in a white circle.
This is our reason 🫶
We asked audiences of #DDFI40 to talk to us about what they enjoyed at the festival - we are so glad to have created a festival that provides a safe and joyful space for disabled artists to thrive. ❤️
We look forward to sharing more DDFI40 success throughout April. 💥
An image taken from a busy crowd, we are in and amongst it. The audience is an audience from a drag cabaret. The light is blue and vivid. Someone is filming the activity on stage, featured is their hands holding a phone, this is the primary focus of the image. There are backs of heads featured in the image, blurry and blue, behind.
A green graphic background. The following text features: We reached 80,000+ online communities during DaDaFest. DaDaFest International 40 | 8th - 31st March 2025, along with a hashtag beside the DDFI40 logo.
We did that! 💥
We are delighted to discover that we reached over 80,000+ online communities during DaDaFest. It's so important to us that we reach our communities digitally. 💻
You can still enjoy #DDFI40 activity online! 📲
Check it out - www.dadafest.co.uk/what-we-do/d... ⬅️
A lively and diverse audience watches an event with visible joy and engagement. In the foreground, a person wearing a white cap with handwritten text “STRIKE A PO…” (partially obscured) and a red jacket is smiling brightly. Next to them, another person in a brown leather jacket also appears to be enjoying the performance. The background is filled with people, some clapping, all focused on the stage out of view.
A promotional graphic for DaDaFest International 40. The background is a solid blue with white and black bold text reading: “Beautiful, Creative, Insightful, Moving – Audiences.” In the bottom section, the text reads: “DaDaFest International 40 | 8th – 31st March 2025.” In the top right corner is the hashtag "#DDFI40" in white and black.
We asked audiences that attended #DDFI40 what words they would use to describe the festival, here's some of their responses... 💥
We feel incredibly lucky to hear these responses from our supporters 💛
Two people are seated amongst an audience of people. They each have their arms in the air, celebrating. One of them is smiling, it appears they are both watching somebody perform. The person smiling has a white blouse and a black embroidery waistcoat. The other person has a black top and skirt on.
A colourful gradient background with splashes of orange, pink, and purple. Text in the center reads “With huge thanks to:” followed by logos and names of supporting organizations including Arts Council England, British Council, The Granada Foundation, Liverpool City Council, Community Foundation for Merseyside, Elizabeth Rathbone Charitable Trust, Culture Liverpool, and the hashtag #DDFI40.
A photo of a person with long grey hair wearing a white t-shirt at an outdoor event. The back of the shirt displays the DDFI 40 logo and Morecrofts Solicitors logo. Above the image is the text “With huge thanks to:” and at the bottom is the hashtag #DDFI40 on a vibrant orange and pink background.
A vibrant background with a gradient of warm colours and text reading “With huge thanks to:” followed by a list of contributors including Lush, FACT, ZU-UK, Liverpool Biennial, University of Liverpool, LEAP Dance Festival, Morecrofts Solicitors, and others. At the bottom is the hashtag #DDFI40.
Thank you 💛
As we look back on everything we achieved as part of #DDFI40, we could not have done it without all the incredible organisations who supported us. We are so grateful for the ongoing support of our funders, festival partners and supporters.
Thank you for raging beside us! 💥
A person with long blonde hair stands confidently with hands on hips, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black shirt with bold pink text that reads "BLOCK TELETHON PISS ON PITY." Behind them is a glowing pink neon sign with the same phrase, mounted on a gray wall.
Monday Motivation? Piss On Pity ✊
We were lucky to feature Zoe Partington's 'Painting in Light' series throughout the city as part of #DDFI40. The light sculptures feature slogans which have relevance to disability activism.
Luckily you can still catch one of the lights at Shakespeare North!💡
Power Not Pity podcast, Episode 3: Tom Walker is at Open Eye Gallery💥
Tom visits the ‘Rage, Riot a Revolution’ exhibition for #DDFI40 and catches up with photographer Jan Williams and some of the incredible artists and activists featured.🫂
Listen now
➡️ www.dadafest.co.uk/what-we-do/p...
Our incredible DaDaFest International 40 festival reporter, Felix, headed to see all of the art and events at The Bluecoat Weekender! 💥
There’s still so much activity to get stuck into this weekend, see you there... 🎨
➡ Be sure to check out our #DDFI40 events:
www.dadafest.co.uk/events/
#DDFI40 Imagine Better Futures For & With People with Energy Limiting Conditions panel has now ended. Please check back with dadafest.co.uk to find out how to access the recording - well worth doing! thank you to @drbevans.bsky.social thelrm@bsky.social for putting the project together so well : )
#IBF panel More work by artists with #ELC in #DDFI40 dadafestinternational.github.io/ELC/ Imagining Better Futures Gallery
dadafestinternational.github.io/INYIME/ Matt Allen – It’s not you it’s M.E. (& in person @factliverpool.bsky.social
www.dadafest.co.uk/event/ddfi40... Chris Shapiro - Koishii
#DDFI40 #IBF panel #ELC @mishgreen.bsky.social class and freelance work in academia and the inequity that is rife. This project was transparent & equitable it can be done and makes such a difference! #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness @liverpooluni.bsky.social @livunigeog@bsky.social
#DDFI40 #IBF panel @mailbykite.bsky.social recent book #amuk (RAGE in Indonesian) this is the root of the phrase 'running amok' a (another) colonial mis-translation. #Rage is necessary and beautiful. #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness
#DDFI40 #IBF panel #ELC Echos of Saturday's event on Climate Crisis - disabled people are creative through necessity therefore vitally needed in identifying solutions for humanity.
#disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness
#DDFI40 #IMF online panel Find out more about these incredible artists www.khairanibarokka.com
www.arvon.org/tutors/louis...
www.mishgreen.co.uk
www.juliangrayart.com
disbeliefdisregard.uk/khizra-ahmed/ #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness
#DDFI40 #IBF online panel @louisekenward.bsky.social #trauma is a common experience for those with #ELC due to reactions of others including medical professionals #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness
#DDFI40 #IBF online panel @louisekenward.bsky.social has adapted her creative processes to suit her capacity and many projects are now durational because of #ELC & this project brought elements of her career as a psychotherapist and creative together #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness
#DDFI40 #IBF online panel Julian Gray speaking about the value of working in a group where people 'get you' and no explanation for #ELC is needed #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness @liverpooluni.bsky.social @livunigeog@bsky.social
#DDFI40 #IBF online panel - Julian Gray speaking now 'drawing as a tool for creativity' Zine created from participants work titled 'Another Future is Possible' more discussion of actively anti-racist actions veing vital for progress #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness
#DDFI40 #IBF pmline pannel - So far we have heard from @mishgreen.bsky.social @mailbykite.bsky.social & Khizra Ahmed. Take away so far... anti-colonialism & aysynchronous participation = positive action & equity for marginalised communities globally #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness
#DDFI40 #IBF @mailbykite.bsky.social speaking now about her work with Muslim women with #ELC ...shame is definitely a common experience AND the sense of camaraderie between the women in the group was so supportive... they decided to lift each other up and disregard those looking down on them.
#DDFI40 #IBF roundtable Khizra Ahmed speaking now about how shame is often passed down in families when muslim women ask for support with #ELC @liverpooluni.bsky.social or @livunigeog@bsky.social
#DDFI40 @mishgreen.bsky.social Imagining Better Futures (IBF) The planet is burning & we cannot ignore it - productivity does not = value - 'Bed liberated' = your rest is prioritised #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness
#DDFI40 @mishgreen.bsky.social speaking now about how marginalised, racialised +++ exhausted bodies are treated as abhorent. Their asynchronous creative project enabled participation from by multiple marginalised artists #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness
#DDFI40 Imagine Better Futures... As we know people with ELC face discrimination disbelief and disregard which impacts more widely on people's lives. Gallery of creative work is here: dadafestinternational.github.io/ELC/ #disability #NEISvoid #ChronicIllness
The Page has an orange background and Title Text ‘Khizara Ahmed’’ with a subtitle underneath that states ‘Multidisciplinary artist’. There is also a picture of Khizara, she has brown eyes, earrings and a green top on.
The Page has an Orange background and has a Question written at the top ‘What are your creative missions?’ in which Khizara has answered with; “Storytelling is incredibly important in my practice. I strive to document, collect and archive untold stories and translate these visually for a unique and intimate experience.” Underneath the quote there is a graphic design icon.
The final page has the same orange background and asks the question “what piece of advice would you give to an upcoming artist?” Khizara responded with; “Take every opportunity that comes! I have a difficult time saying no to anything that comes my way, and honestly I don’t regret it at all. Creative people are everywhere, make those connections wherever and whenever you can.” Underneath there is an icon of stick people talking around a table.
📢 Artist Spotlight Khizra Ahmed📢
The fifth artist to join us for the #DDFI40 Roundtable event is Khizra. Khizra is a multidisciplinary artist, currently studying Graphic and Media design 🖱️
#multidisciplinaryartist
Get tickets to the events here ➡ www.dadafest.co.uk/event/ignite...
