Art of Being Seen

forthcoming

One in four Europeans lives with a disability. Although major policy frameworks, from the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the EU Disability Strategy, emphasize the right of disabled people to full participation in cultural life, disabled artists remain largely invisible in the professional arts scene. Their work is often misrepresented as therapeutic or participatory rather than recognised as high-quality artistic contribution. Opportunities for professional collaboration, recognition, and leadership remain limited, particularly in Eastern and Southern Europe. Art of Being Seen responds to this gap by piloting a hands-on, inclusive performance model and providing concrete tools to support systemic change. The project brings together disabled and non-disabled artists and professionals across three countries (Hungary, Poland, Armenia) to co-create professional theatre productions through an innovative co-learning process. This method will be documented and shared in a freely available Innovative Guide and Digital Masterclass video series and national training events. Target groups, including actors, directors,designers, educators, event organizers and cultural institutions, will gain practical knowledge, experience, and tools to support long-term inclusive practices. Through dissemination events, we reach both national and international stakeholders. In doing so, Art of Being Seen contributes to the recognition of disability-led theatre as a valued and visible part of Europe’s cultural landscape.