I.D.E.A. Exchange Disability Access in the Arts

This I.D.E.A. Exchange will take a practical look at how access tools can support inclusion in the arts and ensure that greater numbers of artists can avail of opportunities such as arts funding for practice development and projects. Below is a breakdown of the Who, What and When of the exchange. There is also information on access requirements that will be accomodated.

WHO

This I.D.E.A. Exchange aims to meet disabled and chronically ill artists.

Anyone who is invested in fostering a vibrant disabled artist ecosystem in Cork is welcome to participate.

Speakers will explain how Disability Access Budgets and Access Riders can support disabled artists, using a straight forward communication style.

Artist Moss Russell, Emma Klemenic from Crawford Supported Studios and Siobhán Clancy from Cork City Council Arts Office will share their experience.

WHAT

• We will talk about what an access rider is and how it can empower artists
• We will hear what it is like to apply for disability access costs and find out what they are
• The exchange will incorporate movement breaks and use a straight-forward communication style
• A event schedule with timings, slides and notes will be shared with participants before the event

WHEN

10am - 12pm 22nd September 2026

WHERE

This I.D.E.A. Exchange will take place in Cork City Council Chambers. See access info below.

ACCESS

• This will be an in-person exchange.
• The venue is Cork City Council Chambers on the first floor of City Hall. The entrance to the building is located on Terence MacSwiney Quay. There is a ramp and an elevator, as well as stairs.
• Some parts of the exchange will be recorded to create a video resource for artists.
• The venue will be wheelchair accessible
• Irish Sign Language interpretation will be provided
• Like all I.D.E.A. Exchanges, this will be relaxed. You can move, stim, go and come back.
• If you would like to vocalise freely while you listen along with others, please get in touch to discuss how we can best manage simultaneous sounds in the exchange space.
• Teas and coffee will be available.
• If you have any questions or access requests, please contact siobhan_clancy[@]corkcity.ie

About Moss Russell

• Information coming soon

About Crawford Supported Studios

• A collective of 16 intellectually disabled and neurodivergent creatives.
• The studios provide practical support to centre the needs of disabled artists.
• Support looks like safe studio space with a dedicated studio facilitator, assistance with communications, access to quality art materials, equipment, training exhibitions, and professional development.
• Emma Klemencic supports studio members with art funding applications.
• Crawford Supported Studios are anchored by a long-term partnership between MTU Crawford College of Art & Design and Crawford Art Gallery, with ongoing support from Cork City Council.
• Click here to visit the studio website: https://crawfordsupportedstudios.com
• You can watch videos about studio members by clicking here https://crawfordsupportedstudios.com/watch/

About I.D.E.A. Exchange

• The I.D.E.A. Exchange is a free professional peer-learning program co-led by arts organisations in Cork city with Siobhán Clancy at Cork City Council Arts Office.
• It focuses on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in the arts.
• Events mix theory and practice to support local artists, venue managers, and community arts workers
• For more information about Cork City Council 2027 Arts Funding, including guidelines and criteria, go to https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/arts-culture-heritage/arts-office/arts-funding/

USEFUL LINKS

For information about Cork City Council 2027 Arts Funding, including guidelines and criteria on applying for access costs, go to https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/arts-culture-heritage/arts-office/arts-funding/