Graeae’s bespoke Artist Development programme started in 2020. It has supported 48 Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists in developing their careers, taking on new challenges & building successful connections.

We have been supporting this programme over the last three years and are proud to once again team up with Graeae as one of the seven venues across the country who will be providing artistic development over the next 12 months.

This year we will be working with three artists - Ash Cox, a devising theatre maker; writer Helen East; and Sam Jamil, an actor, writer and theatre maker.

The Octagon’s Associate Director and Artist Development Co-Ordinator, Georgia Murphy said:“Graeae’s Beyond initiative is such an invaluable programme that offers support and artistic development for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and we are privileged to once again team up with Graeae and offer our guidance to these incredibly talented artists in their early-stage careers.”

Graeae also commented:“Beyond is helping to develop greater access to regional opportunities across England ensuring Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists are at the forefront of new and emerging work. We recognise the immense value of our intersectionality across our communities, which includes Black, Asian, Global Majority, migrant, and LGBTQIA+ artists, which is why our approach is to be as bespoke as possible for each individual artist on the programme.”

Other venues teaming up with Graeae this year include: Nottingham Playhouse, Cast in Doncaster, Hull Truck, Shakespeare North in Prescot, Everyman in Liverpool and Derby Theatre. The Beyond programme is helping create a national network of artistic support and development for Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.