ARTS & EQUALITITES: DIRECTORY OF ORGANISATIONS
MUSIC + EQUALITIES: GLASGOW
Artform
Description: Artform is a Glasgow based arts project for the mixed-ability community.
They are part of the Glasgow Learning Disability Partnership and provide a wide range
of workshops. See also visual arts.
Website: www.artformglasgow.co.uk
Pan African Arts
Description: Pan African Arts Scotland exists to promote African arts and culture to the
people of Scotland.
Paragon
Description: A music company that commissions, performs, experiments and teaches
new music of all kinds with the aim of inspiring audiences to take part in creating and
performing their own music. Paragon works with a range of communities including
people with learning disabilities and asylum seekers and refugees. Website:
www.paragon-music.org
Sounds of Progress
Description: An arts organization based in Glasgow which trains and assists disabled
people to develop musical abilities to a professional standard. Sounds of progress
produce regular professional musical theatre shows. Website: www.sop.org.uk
Northern Rock
Description: A community based organization dedicated to helping and encouraging
young musicians/artists and bands in the North Glasgow Area. Email: info@nrfg.co.uk
Scottish Academy of Asian Arts (SAAA)
Description: SAAA aims to develop and sustain Glasgow as a centre of excellence for
the promotion of arts and culture from the Asian sub-continent, through the provision of
high quality programming, education, training and outreach work. Website:
www.saaa.org.uk
Yuet Ming Cantonese Opera
Description: The organization promotes and develops traditional Chinese culture and
music and encourages the appreciation of traditional Chinese Opera, particularly
among the local Chinese community.
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MUSIC + EQUALITIES: OUTSIDE GLASGOW
Drake Music Scotland
Description: Drake Music Scotland believes everyone has the ability to participate in
music making. Utilising 21st century music technology, Drake work nationally across
education, health and community sectors to provide opportunities for people of all ages
and with a wide range of disabilities to play, learn and compose music independently.
Website: www.drakemusicscotland.org
FILM + EQUALITIES: GLASGOW
Glasgow Film Theatre
Description: GFT’s regular programme of cinema/film screenings includes regular
specialist events, such as Silver Screen for older people, screenings for parents and
babies and screenings for children on the autistic spectrum. Website: www.gft.org.uk
Glasgow Media Access Centre
Description: GMAC is an open access centre that is committed to providing access to
all people interested in moving image. Through training, facilities, expertise,
information, networks and production initiatives, GMAC offers accessible, innovative,
practical services and opportunities in moving image to the widest possible community.
Website: www.g-mac.co.uk
NuArts
Description: NuArts work across a range of industries including media, public sector,
communities and charities. NuArts education encourages confidence, motivation and
inspiration through creative activities and supports the belief that young people should
enjoy greater choice and opportunity to help realize their individual talents.
Website: www.nuarts.co.uk
Diversity Films
Description: Diversity Films work in communities to nurture, train and develop a new
generation of filmmakers. The organization aims to work with a diverse range of people
and build capacity of local people to create short films and digital content for local
community screenings, TV and internet broadcast, mobile phones and international
cinema screens.
Website: www.diversityfilms.org.uk
See Also – Artlink Edinburgh, Project Ability, Sense Scotland
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VISUAL ARTS + EQUALITIES: GLASGOW
Artform
Description: Artform is a Glasgow based arts project for the mixed-ability community.
They are part of the Glasgow Learning Disability Partnership and provide a wide range
of workshops with activities including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking,
photography, mosaic, ceramics and animation. See also music. Website:
www.artformglasgow,org.uk
Project Ability
Description: Project Ability is one of Scotland’s leading specialist art organizations.
Since 1984 they have been promoting equality of access to the arts by supporting
people of all ages and abilities to take part in innovative visual arts projects including
film. Project Ability has three main programmes: ‘Aspire’ for adults with learning
disabilities. ‘Connect’ for adults with mental health issues and ‘create’ for children and
young people. Website: www.project-ability.co.uk
Positive Mental Attitudes
Description: Positive Mental Attitudes challenges stigma and improves mental health
awareness by working with a range of people and communities in East Glasgow. Their
work involves a wide range of project and training initiatives including community arts
events to raise public awareness of mental health issues.
Website: www.positivementalattitudes.org.uk
Trongate Studios
Description: Project Ability set up the Trongate Studios in 1994 to promote the positive
role of the arts in mental health and wellbeing. Providing a service for around 80
people the Studios are a resource for those referred through mental health services
that have an interest in visual art. They currently have a waiting list.
Website: www.project-ability.co.uk/trongatestudios
VISUAL ARTS + EQUALITIES: OUTSIDE GLASGOW
DaDa South
Description: DaDa South are based in England and support deaf and disabled artists
through the provision of inclusive and innovative opportunities and through investment
in their creativity, enabling their practice to grow and to develop a dynamic profile and
reputation for excellence. DaDa South works with visual artists and also performance
artists. Website: www.dada-south.org.uk
Shape Arts
Description: Shape is the country’s leading disability arts organization, based in
London they aim to improve access to the arts for deaf and disabled people whilst
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supporting deaf and disabled artists to challenge perceptions and promote Deaf and
Disability Culture. Shape also aim to create access to the arts for older people.
Website: www.shapearts.org.uk
See Also – Artlink Central, Artlink Edinburgh
DRAMA + EQUALITIES: GLASGOW
Ankur Productions
Description: Ankur Productions works across all media and particularly theatre and
writing. Ankur aims to transform the representation of Black and Minority Ethnic artists
and Black and Minority Ethnic communities in the production, consumption and
enjoyment of arts and culture in Scotland.
Website: www.ankurproductions.org.uk
Birds of Paradise
Description: Birds of Paradise offer training for physically disabled actors and they
produce an annual fully integrated professional touring performance. Website:
www.birdsofparadisetheatre.co.uk
Solar Bear Ltd
Description: Solar Bear run fully inclusive, nationwide programmes of outreach
activities for young people and adults.
Website: www.solarbear.org.uk
Toonspeak Young People’s Theatre
Description: Toonspeak provides drama and theatre opportunities and training for
young people aged 11 to 25. Young people are at the heart of Toonspeak and make
most of the decisions about the company and the artistic work. Toonspeak’s work
supports the regeneration of the local area of north Glasgow and works to address
problems of economic and social exclusion. Website: www.toonspeak.co.uk
East End Arts (Breakthru Theatre Company)
Description: Founded by Christina McKelvie, Alexis Harvey and a client group with
learning disabilities, the Breakthru Theatre Company focused on drama activities and
has grown from strength to strength since its successful premier performance of The
Jabberwocky in 1990. Breakthru Theatre Company is now a cast of 20 adults with
learning disabilities from the Accord Centre and Tollcross Centre and independent
clients and volunteers. Website: www.eastendarts.co.uk
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Theatre Insaan
Description: Theatre Insaan, led by actor and performer Faroque Khan, aims to give
voice to a new generation of practitioners by cultivating a theatre that is diverse,
dynamic and engaging. The company aims to produce classical and modern work from
non-Western and Western cultures alike.
DRAMA + EQUALITIES: OUTSIDE GLASGOW
Freewheelers Theatre Company
Description: The Freewheelers Theatre Company brings disabled and non-disabled
actors and supporters, production teams and the local community together. They use
theatre and dance, wheelchair and voicebox technology, multimedia, animations,
puppets and shadows to create innovative work. They particularly like to work
collaboratively, surprise people and challenge perceptions. And they say: “We don’t
like barriers, rules or conventions.”
Website: www.southwark.tv/Freewheelers/FWSHOME.asp
Face Front Inclusive Theatre
Description: A company of disabled and non-disabled artists who create multi-layered
theatre which is accessible to all. Website: www.facefront.org
Funsense Theatre
Description: Funsense Theatre provides inclusive and exciting shows and workshops
for young people, from the very young to school leavers. All the experiences offered
are inclusive and accessible to everyone, including those children who have difficulty
accessing the world around them, be it through physical or learning disability.
Website: www.funsensetheatre.co.uk
Graeae Theatre Company
Description: Graeae is a disabled-led theatre company that profiles the skills of actors,
writers and directors with physical and sensory impairments. The artistic approach
creates aesthetically accessible productions that include a disabled and non-disabled
audience.
Website: www.graeae.org
Kaleidoscope Theatre
Description: Kaleidoscope Theatre is a unique company having as it does an
integrated cast of players of all ages and from all walks of life.
Website: www.kaleidoscope-theatre.org
Ladder to the Moon
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Description: Ladder to the Moon works with older people in care homes, particularly
those with dementia. They work with Relationship Theatre which is based on
interactions between residents, performers, staff and visitors. Website:
www.laddertothemoon.co.uk
The Lawnmowers
Description: The Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company aims to lay solid
foundations for people with learning disabilities to participate fully in their own society,
shaping their own environment and controlling their own futures. The Lawnmowers is a
unique company run by and for people with learning disabilities, based in Gateshead.
Website: www.thelawnmowers.co.uk
Lung Ha’s Theatre Company, Edinburgh
Description: Lung ha’s Theatre Company exists to provide opportunities for people with
learning disabilities to become actively involved in the performing arts. Website:
www.nolimitstheatre.org.uk
Oily Cart
Description: Oily cart works entirely with children, many with complex disabilities, and
often behind closed doors in special schools. The company produces high-quality,
interactive, theatre productions. Oily Cart tours regularly to Macrobert in Stirling.
Website: www.oilycart.org.uk
One in a Hundred, Cumbernauld Theatre
Description: Theatre Company for disabled people.
Website: www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk
Out of the Darkness
Description: Out of the Darkness Theatre Company is a professional company located
in Elgin who perform and tour regularly throughout Moray, and the Highlands and
Islands of Scotland. They are committed to social inclusion and challenging public
perception around disability.
Website: www.odtheatre.org.uk
Quest Theatre Company
Description: Quest Theatre Company, which has been operating since 1996, aims to
contribute to a society where everyone is treated equally. Quest is based at the St Clair
Centre in Kirkcaldy, a day centre for people disabled people. Quest Theatre Company
aims to educate, entertain and to promote a positive image of people with learning
disabilities.
Website: www.fifeadultservices.org.uk/quest.php
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Taking Flight Theatre Company
Description: Taking Flight Theatre Company works with those who have traditionally
been under represented in Theatre. The company creates accessible projects and
performances for groups who have previously experienced barriers to participation.
Website: www.takingflighttheatre.com
TARA Arts
Description: A cross-cultural theatre company based in South London.
Website: www.tara-arts.com
Theatre Resource
Description: An arts organization which exists to advance and promote the creativity,
culture and heritage of disabled people and socially excluded groups for the benefit of
all.
Website: www.theatre-resource.org.uk
Theatre Workshop
Description: Theatre Workshop is based in Edinburgh and aims to produce theatre that
is well crafted, moving, challenging, beautiful, accessible and honest. Website:
www.theatre-workshop.com
Wave Theatre
Description: Wave Theatre, Edinburgh focuses on bringing devised work, new writing
and culturally diverse casts to audiences across the United Kingdom and beyond.
Wave theatre places an accent on the voice which speaks for both the settled and
unsettled communities across the nation.
Website: www.wavetheatre.co.uk
Chickenshed
Description: Chickenshed is a theatre company who work using an inclusive creative
process which means everyone is welcome, and everyone is valued. Chickenshed
runs Children’s and Youth Theatre workshops, education courses, community outreach
projects and a network of satellite ‘Sheds’ across the country (and two in Russia)
Website: www.chickenshed.org.uk
Zendeh
Description: Zendeh is a Farsi word meaning ‘alive’. Zendeh creates innovative
intercultural theatre productions exploring internationalism and transnationalism.
Zendeh is committed to cultural diversity with a special interest in Iranian Cultural
relationships.
Website: www.zendeh.com
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DANCE + EQUALITIES: GLASGOW
Glasgow Oriental Dancing Association (GODA)
Description: GODA aims to help the children in the Chinese and local communities, to
develop their potential and their interest and knowledge in Chinese culture. They offer
classes in traditional Chinese and contemporary dance for ages between 5 and 18.
Indepen-dance
Description: Indepen-dance is a Glasgow based dance organization working with
disabled and non-disabled dancers. The organization runs weekly classes from
beginner to performance level. The performance company works with a range of
professional choreographers and have shown their work across Europe. Independance recently initiated a youth dance project for young disabled people. Website:
www.indepen-dance.net
Scottish Ballet
Description: Scottish Ballet is Scotland’s national ballet company. The Education
department works with a range of people including people over 50. The regenerate
over 50s group rehearse regularly and give performances all over Scotland. Website:
www.scottishballet.co.uk
Waterbaby
Description: Waterbaby is Claire Cunningham and Linda Payne who collaborate
together to perform and offer workshops. Claire recently received a SAC Creative
Scotland Award and describes her practice as ‘ability through disability’. Claire has
trained with Bill Shannon in his particular style of dance with crutches. She recently
performed with Gary Robson at Oran Mor.
DanceHouse
Description Dance House is a national dance agency based in Glasgow. They offer a
number of dance opportunities and are co-directed Moving On, a dance and disability
conference event in 2009.
Website: www.dancehouse.org
YDance
Description: National youth dance agency, YDance encourages all young people to get
active and develop their creativity through dance. Their programme includes work to
promote health and involves work with schools. Website: www.ydance.org
Sense Scotland
Description: Sense is a charity working with children and adults who have
communication support needs because of deafblindness, sensory impairment, learning
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and physical disabilities. The Sense arts and well-being programme has worked with
dancers such as Dance Iyahami from Edinburgh. Website: www.sensescotland.org.uk
DANCE + EQUALITIES: OUTSIDE GLASGOW
Signdance Collective Dance Theatre Company
Description: Inspiring, international dance theatre company undertaking performance
using sign-dance, a unique visual language led by disabled and deaf artists. Supported
by Arts Council England, South East.
Website: www.signdancecollective.co.uk
Anjali
Description: Anjali is a professional contemporary dance company. All of Anjali’s
dancers have learning disabilities. The company produces and tours performances and
undertakes education and outreach work. Anjali aims to show that disability is no
barrier to creativity.
Website: www.anjali.co.uk
CandoCo Dance Company
Description: CandoCo is the contemporary dance company of disabled and nondisabled dancers. The Company aims to produce creatively ambitious and exceptional
contemporary dance performances that entertain and inspire audiences. CandoCo
wants to push the boundaries of contemporary dance and broaden people’s perception
of what dance is and who can dance. Website: www.candoco.co.uk
Green Candle
Description: Green Candle makes shows for children, young people and older people,
performing in theatres, residential homes, schools etc. across London and beyond.
Green Candle runs a range of workshops for all ages and abilities. Website:
www.greencandledance.com
Conflux
Description: Conflux is a new inclusive dance company based in Plymouth. The
company runs a dance workshop for disabled and non-disabled dancers aged 14 to
19. This project aims to provide high standard of dance, for both non-disabled and
disabled dancers working together on an equal platform.
Magpie
Description: Magpie is an inclusive dance company for people with and without
learning disabilities and has been running in Bromley for over 20 years. Magpie run
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adult and youth programmes as well as a choreography mentoring programme.
Website: www.magpiedance.org.uk
Traveller Dance
Description: Traveller supports work which examines how the movement qualities of
people with a learning disability influence and resource contemporary dance practice.
Traveller works with dancers and choreographers to develop creative partnerships
which challenge and question existing conventions and practice.
Website: www.janiceparker.co.uk/index_files/travellerdance.htm
Moleigh Dance Company
Description: Moleigh is a dance organization for disabled people based in Oban.
StopGAP Dance Company
Description: StopGAP is an integrated professional contemporary dance company
which has dancers with and without disabilities. Vibrant, at times tender, and frequently
funny, StopGAP presents dance performances in both traditional theatres and rural
community venues.
Website: www.stopgap.uk.com
SEE ALSO _
Foundation for Community Dance: www.communitydance.org.uk
WRITING + EQUALITIES: GLASGOW
Lapidus Scotland
Description: Lapidus Scotland: Creative Words for Health and Well-being is a national
organization based in Glasgow. It runs projects, workshops, writing groups, events,
conferences, training and mentoring schemes for anyone with an interest in writing for
health and well-being. Lapidus Scotland also hosts open performance events and
produces publications.
Website: www.lapidus.org.uk
Nazrul-Burns Centre
Description: The central focus of the Nazrul-Burns Centre (The Centre for East-West
Arts and Cultural Excellence, Scotland) is to promote and strengthen multicultural,
secular Scottish life-style through diverse creative and innovative arts, cultural and
leisure activities, including raising the profile of the great Bangladeshi National Poet –
Kazi Nazrul (1899-1976) and the great Scottish national poet – Robert Burns (17591796) towards greater understanding and mutual respect.
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MULTI-ARTS AND CROSS ARTFORM + EQUALITIES: GLASGOW
Arts in the City
Description: Arts in the City is a programme for accommodated and looked after young
people, and young people leaving care in Glasgow. Arts in the City works across
artforms and offer specialist activities such as CRE8, a parenting skills and therapeutic
arts programme.
Bangla Centre
Description: The Bangla Centre promotes cultural events and workshops for the
Bangladeshi community in Glasgow.
Bengali Performing Arts Association
Description: Bengali Performing Arts Association to advance cultural education and
social cohesion among the community members living in West of Scotland to bring a
lasting difference in the quality of their life.
Website: www.bengaliperformingarts.co.uk
Giant
Description: Giant is committed to providing creative adventures for kids with different
needs and a wide range of experience of the world. They develop arts experiences
which enable any children, irrespective of their background or ability, to engage in the
creative process in the same space and at the same time as their peers.
Website: www.giantproductions.org
Glasgow Hong Lok Dragon & Lion Troupe
Description: The aim of the organization is to promote, educate and establish interest
of Chinese Communities to learn about music, dragon and lion dance.
Indian Cultural & Festival Committee (ICFC)
Description: ICFC promote Indian culture through the celebration of festivals,
Dusshera, Diwali and Holi festival.
Japenese Matsuri
Description: Japanese Matsuri aim to advance the education of Japanese culture and
heritage through community involvement.
Website: www.japanese-matsuri-glasgow.org.uk
Peace Arts
Description: Peace Arts was formed in 2004 to coincide with the visit of His Holiness
the Dalai Lama to Glasgow. Peace Arts work to promote racial harmony, togetherness
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and friendship through music and dance and provide a platform for individuals, groups
and organizations from diverse communities and faiths to share and promote better
understanding of their culture.
Punjabi Sahit Sabha
Description: Punjabi Sahit Sabha provides the opportunity to Scotland’s Punjabi
Community to learn about their literary and cultural heritage.
Russian Cultural Centre
Description: The Russian Cultural Centre opened in Glasgow 1998 to bring the best of
Russian culture to Glasgow and Scotland. The Centre aims to advance arts and
education to establish increasing Russian/Scottish cultural links and artistic fusions.
Website: www.russiancentre.uk.com
Scottish Indian Mahila Cultural Centre (SIMCC)
Description: SIMCC is a community organization for women, providing culturally
sensitive services, with a focus on women from Hindu background. Activities include
family events.
Sense Scotland
Description: Sense is a national charity providing services for children and adults who
have communication support needs because of deafblindness, sensory impairment,
learning & physical disabilities and/or continuing health care needs. Their art spaces
and services include: multi purpose arts room, large visual arts space and studio,
drama and dance studio, music suite with recording facilities and soundbeam,
woodcraft suite, the courtyard for hosting visual arts exhibitions, performances, film
screenings and other large scale events. They also produce the prestigious Helen
Keller Award and Exhibition.
Website: www.sensescotland.org.uk
Turkish Culture & Folklore Association
Description: The Turkish Culture & Folklore Association promotes Turkish culture
through music and dance and run a number of classes throughout the year.
Vaisakhi Da Mela
Description: Vaisakhi Da mela was established in 1990 with the aim of celebrating the
Vaisakhi festival involving a range of artists from different cultural backgrounds and an
exhibition on the Sikh culture to raise awareness of Sikhism within the community of
Glasgow and education sector. The programme includes exhibitions and dance, drama
and music performances by local and international artists.
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MULTI-ARTS AND CROSS ARTFORM + EQUALITIES: OUTSIDE GLASGOW
Artlink Central
Description: Artlink Central enables a wide range of marginalized people in the Stirling
and Falkirk area to access the arts, including visual arts and music. Website:
www.artlinkcentral.org
Artlink Edinburgh
Description: Artlink works hard to increase opportunities for individuals who experience
disadvantage or disability to take part in the arts in Edinburgh and the Lothian region.
They offer practical support to get people into the arts and work with venues to
increase opportunities to enjoy the arts.
Website: www.artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
Decibel
Description: Decibel is a performing arts showcase event to promote diverse arts
practice. Website: www.decibelspas.com
Heart n soul Arts Company
Description: Heart n Soul is a leading arts organization with learning disability at its
heart. Website: www.heartnsoul.co.uk
WHALE
Description: WHALE aims to advance the education and well-being of the people of
Wester Hailes in Edinburgh and beyond by delivering quality arts based activities for
lifelong learning. Website: www.whalehearts.co.uk
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