Absolutely delighted in the quality, breadth and depth of the Unlimited shortlist, but also want to highlight the data behind it which shows the real need for more funding in this area of work.
Unlimited's budget for commissions this round is just over £600,000 – now that’s a lot, over half a million pounds. However, to fund everyone who applied, Unlimited would need over 30 times as much: £18,217,517. Even to meet the needs of all the shortlisted artists we'd need four times as much: £2,284,721.
We had to say ‘no’ to a record number of people this year: 431. That’s incredibly distressing for those artists and for us, especially in these times. We have only shortlisted 11% of those who’ve applied, we are likely to fund a quarter of them meaning the number we are likely to actually fund will be under 3%.
More arts organisations and funders need to be funding disabled artists.
With 22.7% of the population being disabled people, all arts organisations and arts funders need to be ensuring that at least 20% of what they award goes to disabled artists. Can we get asking this question - "what percentage of these awards/this programme/this season is going to disabled artists?" more often please?
We’re thrilled to announce the artists and companies who’ve been shortlisted for our 2023 UK and International Open Awards! 🎉
Take a look at the full announcement and get to know the artists and their projects: bit.ly/3N7LW5V
From a mud-wrestling dance investigating the links between trans bodies, bogs, and Celtic rituals, to aerial theatre weaving black British salon culture with disability. These projects showcase the incredible creative and diverse talent of disabled artists across the UK.
Congratulations to the artists and companies who were shortlisted!
The Open Awards are made possible by Arts Council England, Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru | Arts Council of Wales, British Council and The National Lottery through Creative Scotland. #WeAreUnlimied #LetsCreate
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