Programme announced for Disrupt Disability Arts Festival 2025

The programme for the Disrupt Disability Arts Festival 2025 has just been announced.

Taking place from Thursday 6 March, to Saturday 8 March, at Dublin’s Project Arts Centre and online, this year’s festival offers an exciting three days filled with theatre, dance, music, performance, visual art and more.  

This unique event, now in its second year, invites attendees to rethink conventional perceptions of disability, with keynote talks, lectures, and workshops across the festival’s programme.   

One of this year’s highly anticipated events will feature Sinéad Burke, disability advocate and CEO of Tilting the Lens, leading a ‘CHAT’ seminar with Freedom Tech titled ‘Empowering Creativity: The Role of Assistive Technology in Art.’

This innovative event will explore how assistive technology can enhance artistic expression, featuring notable speakers and demonstrations of new technology.  

Speaking at the festival launch, Disrupt Director AlanJames Burns invited audiences to come and be inspired: 

“We’re thrilled to present the programme for this year’s Disrupt Disability Arts Festival.

“This year’s festival offers an opportunity to experience outstanding work by and about disabled artists.

“It is also an important gathering for those who wish to learn more about how we can improve accessibility and equality.

“I would encourage audience members of all backgrounds and abilities to come and be inspired.” 

Among the programme highlights, ‘Dis-Cover: The Power of Expression’ will feature the premiere of ‘A Softer Kiss,’ an engrossing theatre show by Lianne Quigley that explores the experiences of Deaf women in Ireland, funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and supported by The Arts Council and Disrupt Festival.

The show will be followed by a musical performance from Emilie Conway, the award-winning vocal jazz artist.  

The festival’s ‘Disability and Intersectionality’ event promises powerful performances and discussions that address race, gender, age, sexuality, and disability, with contributions from Afro-Brazilian dancer Alessandra Azeviche, performance artists Day Magee, Pink AKA Owen O’Malley and disability activist Maryam Madani.  

As the month of March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, Disrupt is excited to present ‘Toilet Paper Diaries’ by Porcelain Delaney, a multidisciplinary artist passionate about sharing lesser told narratives.

This poignant yet humorous performance will take place Friday 7 March, on the eve of International Women’s Day, and will be followed by a conversation between Delaney and writer Sue Rainsford.  

Visual artworks by artists affiliated with Dublin’s Connections Arts Centre, which supports those facing barriers to formal art education, will be exhibited at the Project Arts Centre. Additionally, artist Jason Grace will lead an interactive workshop to provide insights into his creative process.

Elsewhere, theatre director Al Bellamy will conduct a workshop focusing on the role of theatre-makers in promoting disability inclusion.  

Festival attendees are encouraged to “Sign the Night Away” at an unforgettable closing party on the festival’s final night, Saturday 8 March.

The event will be hosted by Sarah-Jane O’Regan, known for her lively Irish Sign Language translations at the annual Electric Picnic Festival and RTÉ Late Late Toy Show.

Tickets for Disrupt’s party are free, but booking is required. 

Accessibility & Touch Tours  

In keeping with the festival’s ethos, organisers have worked to ensure that the festival is accessible to as many people as possible.

The talks and performances at the festival will include Irish Sign Language, captions, and audio descriptions.

Additionally, a number of ‘Touch Tours.’ will take place, allowing visually impaired audience members to interact with the stage and props prior to the performance.

The festival’s website will highlight relaxed performances for those who may be overwhelmed in large public settings, and for those who are unable to attend in person, the talks and performances will be streamed on the festival website. 

Disrupt Disability Arts Festival takes place from Thursday 6 March to Saturday 8 March.

For the full schedule of events and to book tickets, visit www.disruptfestival.ie