THE SOMERSET ARTS AND DISABILITY PROJECT is run by Project Co-ordinator Catherine Beedell - cbeedell@tiscali.co.uk. It is funded by the Somerset Arts Officers Group.

For the past five years we have been working with arts organisations and disability groups to try to improve access for disabled people to the arts in Somerset.

We work closely with Kaleido – the South West Disability Arts Development Agency - who are based in Exeter - www.kaleidoarts.org.

JOIN THE SOMERSET ARTS AND DISABILITY NETWORK:
This is an informal network of people interested in and involved with both Arts and Disability work and Disability Arts in Somerset. If you join you will receive regular information updates and invitation to a number of network events. You will also have the opportunity to influence policy and support me to make things better for disabled people who are arts audiences, arts participants and arts practitioners living in Somerset. To join, please email me at cbeedell@tiscali.co.uk


FLUX 2-MAY 2008 SOMERSET ARTS AND DISABILITY/DISABILITY ARTS FESTIVAL:
This is the second year we ran FLUX. See that attached newsletter for further details of what took place this year. I am already working on FLUX 3 - MAY 2009 so do let me know if you are doing anything in May 09 I can help you to promote as part of the festival. cbeedell@tiscali.co.uk

LEARNING DISABILITY ARTS IN SOMERSET:
ArtsXchange brought arts to adults with learning disabilities in Somerset. Professional dancers, drummers, storytellers and performers worked with over 250 adults with learning disabilities throughout Somerset for the past two years. They delivered workshops and taster sessions in 8 day centres, two Arts Centres and places of historical and archaeological interest. There were skills sharing opportunities and masterclasses for staff and artists.
ArtsXchange has given participants a wonderful opportunity to develop their confidence, creativity, mobility and team working skills.

The care staff in day centres enjoyed the project immensely. They have learned new skills that they can use in their work to develop and support people with learning disabilities. The two year ArtsXchange project was funded by the Arts Council England, Somerset County Council Adult Learning Disability Development Fund and the Somerset Arts Officers Group’s Arts and Disability Fund. SEE ATTACHED ARTSXCHANGE NEWSLETTER FOR MORE INFO.

JOIN THE SOMERSET LEARNING DISABILITY ARTS FORUM:
We want to continue to develop the ArtsXchange network of people in Somerset involved with developing and delivering Learning Disability Arts. If you would like to join please email cbeedell@tiscali.co.uk.

SURVEY OF LEARNING DISABILITY ARTS IN SOMERSET
If you are involved in any way with Learning Disability Arts in Somerset I would be most grateful if you could complete and return the survey below to cbeedell@tiscali.co.uk.

EVENT: Come to the next Somerset Arts and Disability Network Event on Friday 31 October, 9.30am-12.30pm, Taunton Library Meeting Room, Paul Street. The focus will be on Learning Disability Arts in Somerset - The Way Forward and The Unlimited Co of Storytellers and Count Me In will provide the entertainment. RSVP cbeedell@tiscali.co.uk. See attached flyer with full details.