Unlimited is offering ten awardstotalling £413,000 to disabled artists across England, Scotland, and Wales – now open for applications.
With amounts ranging from £15,000 to £80,000, these commissioning awards will support the creation of extraordinary new work in artforms including theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, and combined arts.
We're here to support bold creative visions from disabled artists - whether it's a seed of an idea or something production-ready, we’ll help bring it to life.
Cat Sheridan, Senior Producer, Unlimited: “At a time when disabled artists, particularly those who are multiply marginalised, face increasing barriers and pressure, the Open Awards are a vital act of creative defiance. These awards are about saying yes to risk, yes to scale, yes to the urgent and yes to the joyful. We’re here to back ideas that stretch and push form and reimagine what’s possible. Making sure powerful, boundary-pushing art by disabled artists gets out into the world.”
We’re not just funding artists' project ideas. We’re committed to driving change across the arts sector. That means rethinking the kind of work that is supported, valued, and platformed. Open Awards under £25,000 are ideal for testing, exploring, and playing with early ideas. Awards over £25,000 are a chance to get that almost-there piece in front of audiences. Perfect for artists who’ve had some funding but haven’t been able to get the work out there yet.
Pete Massey, Director, Yorkshire, Arts Council England:"We’re thrilled to see Unlimited launch another round of Open Awards, giving disabled artists and disabled led companies the opportunity to make extraordinary work, for national and international audiences. At the Arts Council we want to ensure that people from every background can take part in, experience and create high quality art and culture. Unlimited's Open Awards do just that."
Amanda Loosemore, Portfolio Manager, Arts Council of Wales: “Unlimited commissions are crucial to raising the profile of disabled artists and shining a spotlight on the range of exciting work created across the UK. We’re thrilled to continue to be part of this here in Wales. Over a number of years our commitment to the programme has had a positive impact on Wales-based disabled artists, offering opportunities for support and creative development via a range of partnerships. It is only right that audiences are able to experience the extraordinary work created by these commissioned artists who promote change and challenge the arts sector.”
Kim Simpson, Head of Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion, Creative Scotland: “The Unlimited commissioning programme continues to celebrate and elevate the exceptional talent and creativity of disabled artists across the UK, offering a vital platform that drives real, lasting change within the cultural sector. It not only opens up pathways to flourishing artistic careers but also sets a powerful benchmark for how the industry can break down barriers and lead on accessibility.”
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