Brighton Dome’s Access Open Day: Creative Roots Spotlights Disabled and Neurodivergent Artists and Careers

Brighton Dome opens its doors on Saturday 8 July for Access Open Day: Creative Roots, a free all-day event for disabled and neurodivergent people interested in pursuing a career in the arts. Coinciding with Disability Pride Month, this programme of talks, workshops and performances will celebrate the work of disabled and neurodivergent creatives, alongside building tours of Brighton Dome, with staff on hand to provide an insight into potential career paths into the arts.

Brighton Dome In-House Artist Erin Enfys will join award-winning performer and writer Tommy, known as The Queer Historian, for a discussion about their experiences of building a career as disabled artists including some of the challenges they have faced.

On Access Open Day: Creative Roots, Erin Enfys says: 
"I am a firm believer that the power of community cannot be overstated. I am thrilled to be involved with BDBF’s Access Open Day in my capacity as the In-House Artist for Brighton Dome. I’m so proud to be involved with an organisation that continually puts the needs of disabled and neurodivergent creatives, audiences, and community members at the forefront of its practice. 

Disabled and neurodivergent individuals possess multitudes of emotions and experiences that deserve to be amplified. I’m excited to be interviewing my good friend Tommy (The Queer Historian) where we will discuss our respective practices, share insights into our professional artistic careers as disabled people, and most of all, connect with our local community members."

In association with local learning disability-led arts organisation Carousel, visitors can take part in a DJ and mixing workshop with DJ Kez, a resident DJ at Carousel’s Blue Camel club night. Other performances include artists from Brighton-based Mango Mammals, a record label created by disabled artists for disabled artists that aims to break down boundaries in the mainstream music scene. 

There will be performances from Carousel Poets Charlie Hatton, a regular on the award-winning Carousel Radio show and podcast, who will share humorous and wildly imaginative stories and poems about killer fridges, angry sharks and time-travelling tractors; and Stuart Leaney takes inspiration from his family, friends, ambitions and challenges to write short and sweet poems about the joyful bits of life. Also performing is local poet Caz Smiling, who mixes music with spoken word poetry.

Elsewhere, visitors can take a career-centred tour of Brighton Dome, lifting the curtain on life backstage and all the technical aspects of putting on a show. Brighton Dome staff will also be available to answer questions and discuss a variety of career options within the arts.

Throughout the day, visitors can also join Artie Carden and Riley-Fynn in the Foyer for a drop-in collage workshop and Team Domenica’s Pop-Up Café will be serving homemade sweet and savoury treats alongside hot and cold drinks, with discounts available for Compass Card Holders and Registered Carers. The event will be closed with a set from DJ Kez.

Access Open Day: Creative Roots runs from 11am to 4.30pm on Saturday 8 July in Brighton Dome’s Foyer. Visitors are welcome to drop in at any time to enjoy the performances and crafts. Places for the talk, tours and DJ workshop can be booked on the day.

For more information visit brightondome.org