Disability Festival Scoops Prestigious Prize

The UK’s largest disability and deaf arts festival has been awarded this year’s prestigious £10,000 Lever Prize.

Liverpool’s DaDaFest was chosen by senior representatives of the 30 largest companies in the north west of England to receive the prize.  The festival is the seventh organisation to receive the accolade.  In addition to the cash prize the award opens the door to a year long collaboration with the region’s top business leaders who make up the North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT).

The festival aims to be as accessible as possible for both performers and visitors, right down to choosing venues which are wheelchair accessible and cater for disabled vehicles.

Celebrating Disability Talent

DaDaFest, which attracts international artists, aims to inspire and celebrate talent and excellence in disability and deaf arts.  Last year the festival celebrated it’s 10th anniversary, having started in 2001 as a small community arts event.  Over 100,000 people have visited the festival over the past 10 years.

DaDaFest CEO, Ruth Gould, said that research undertaken to evaluate the festival shows that 75% of performers have gone on to get employment in the creative arts sector.

Ruth commented: “We’re delighted the NWBLT have acknowledged the unique work DaDaFest does in representing disability and deaf culture in the north west and internationally.  The award will allow us to present an even more relevant and enticing festival later this year.”

Previous winners of the prize, named in honour of soap magnate and philanthropist William Lever, include Liverpool Biennial, Tate Liverpool and Manchester International Festival.