A festival chat with our Artistic Director

DaDa Announce 2024 Edward Rushton Lecture

Theatre maker and activist Kaite O’Reilly to deliver social justice lecture at the Museum of Liverpool on International Day of Disability 

Animating Change: Charities Collaborate to Support Youth Mental Health

Alder Hey Children’s Charity and DaDa Disability and Deaf Arts joined forces to launch an animation developed by young artists to improve their health and wellbeing.

DaDa Announce First DaDaFest International 40 Artists

DaDa announce artists commissioned to produce new work for DDFI40

DaDa Fellow Chris Shapiro Launches New Work ‘Koishii’

DaDa Fellow Chris Shapiro Launches New Work for World Mental Health Day #WMHD2024

DaDaFest International Returns for 40th Birthday

DaDaFest International returns in March 2025 for DaDa's 40th birthday celebration.

DaDa Announce 'Ignite' Artist Development Programme

DaDa is excited to launch ‘Ignite’ an online artist development programme to help you re-engage with your inner creative.

FACT x DaDa Digital Artist Residencies

FACT in partnership with Lucid Games and DaDa announce 4 new artist residencies.

Tribute to Garry Robson

DaDa pay tribute to actor, director, raconteur, singer and much more, Garry Robson

Dear New Government, From DaDa

DaDa writes an open letter to our new Prime Minister to offer some ideas of key arts and access priorities.

Tribute to Jackie Hagan

DaDa pays tribute to artist and activist Jackie Hagan.

Call Out for Artist Commissions: DaDaFest 40th Anniversary Festival

Two commissions available for #DDFI40

Deadline 12th July!

DaDa Welcome Dynamic New Board Members

DaDa welcomes 5 new board members

Leap Dance Festival brings dance events to the streets and theatres of Liverpool! 26th April - 10th May 2024

DaDa have partnered with Liverpool City Council and supported Leap through a co-commissioned short film developed by RAWD.

Porcelain Presents Toilet Paper Diaries for International Women's Day 2024

A performance of Porcelain Delaney's Show 'Toilet Paper Diaries' Premieres online to 'Inspire Inclusion' on IWD 2024

DaDa’s Edward Rushton Social Justice Lecture Premieres Online

DaDa’s Rushton Lecture ‘Reclaiming Nonchalance’ presented by Ashokkumar Mistry premieres online 

DaDa Richard III Statement

DaDaFest has signed the Disabled Artist Alliance’s open letter alongside over 200 individuals and organisations regarding the Globe’s announcement of Richard III casting of a non-disabled actor in the lead role.

DaDa Artists 'Fly the Flag'

DaDa artists join 'Fly the Flag' campaign to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 

Liverpool lights up for International Day of Persons with Disabilities

City buildings lit up in turquise and yellow for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023

Rushton Lecture Panel Confirmed

Edward Rushton Social Justic Lecture takes place 3rd Dec 2023.

DaDa Announce Dazzling Cabaret Line Up

Unity Theatre play host to a captivating evening of deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.

DaDa Fellow's New Show 'Toilet Paper Diaries' is Coming!

DaDa Fellow Porcelain Delaney brings her new show 'Toilet Paper Diaries' to Unity Theatre this month.

DaDaFest Winter Programme 2023

Join DaDa events to warm up the winter nights.

DaDa Announce Ashok Mistry as Keynote for Rushton Lecture 2023

DaDa announce keynote Ashokkumar D Mistry as keynote for their annual Rushton Lecture. 

DaDa Artists Reflect on 'Inclusion'

This National Inclusion Week we reached out to DaDa artists to find out their thoughts on inclusion within the arts sector. 

Artist Call Out for DaDa Cabaret Showcase

DaDa is on the hunt for performance pieces by Northwest based Deaf, disabled and Neurodivergent artists for a cabaret night on Friday November 24 2023

DaDa insights for National Inclusion Week 2023

For National Inclusion Week 2023 DaDaFest reflect on how they are striving to improve inclusion.

Arts and Access at Edinburgh Fringe 2023

DaDa team have been taking in shows by Deaf and disabled artists at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023 and keeping an eye out for access initiatives.

Liverpool Black History Month Creative Commission grants

Culture Liverpool have a call out for artists with ideas on how Liverpool can celebrate Black History Month 

DaDa Interviews Author Natalie Denny

DaDaFest interview children's author Natalie Denny about the release of her book Keisha Jones Takes on the World

DaDa Young Ensemble light up Resonate Hub

DaDa Young Ensemble showcased their latest compositions and covers at Resonate Hub.

DaDa collaborates with Liverpool Biennial to present ‘Unmute’ dance theatre featuring local artists

DaDaFest support Unmute Dance Theatre to collaborate with local artists for Liverpool Biennial 2023

DaDa and LJMU present Award-winning immersive experience with ZU-UK

The DaDa x Philharmonic Ensemble Performance 8th June

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company and DaDa Ensemble presented new work at the music rooms in Royal Liverpool Philharmonic on 8th June. 

It's Deaf Awareness Week 2023!

Celebrating Deaf Awareness Week with resources and throwbacks! 

Join our project with Liverpool Biennial!

Seeking disabled, Deaf and/or neurodivergent dancers to collaborate on a Liverpool Biennial performance

A DaDa-debuted portrait at LCR photo awards!

Continued success for Mark Peachey's 'Keep Clear' following its inaugural showing at DaDaFest International 2022

'The Bodymind as Un-colony' - On Demand version released

An On Demand verison of our 2022 Rushton Lecture is now available

We're hiring!

Join the DaDa team as our Operations & Finance Manager

DaDa at the Arts Marketing Association

Accessing Digital Culture - DaDa heads to the AMA 

Digital Culture Awards - DaDa Holograms makes the longlist!

DaDa Holograms nominated and more!

Have your say!

Did you join us for the latest DaDa festival? Let us know what you thought!

DaDaFest International Festival 2022 - thanks for joining us!

Huge success for DaDa's 2022 hybrid programme!

DDFI2022 half-way point and UK Disability History Month!

DaDaFest International Festival and UK Disability History Month!

Announcing further funding for DaDa!

DaDa news - National Portfolio Organisation funding!

DaDaFest International 2022 - Autumn programme announcement!

6 weeks of disability and Deaf arts programming from 26 October until 3 December

DaDaFest International Festival returns this autumn!

Reflections on Ed Fringe accessibility

Thoughts from DaDa's Executive Producer about accessibility at the Edinburgh Fringe

Letty McHugh's Book of Hours Launch

Join Letty in person or online for the launch of Book of Hours

Shielded in the Community

A call out for you to take part.

DaDaFest International 2022 Launch Day

Keep Sunday 12 June free for events across the city.

Award nomination for Joe Strickland

Our Executive Producer has been nominated for a Best Director award.

DaDa Incubator: Lead Musician Trainees

Announcing our Lead Musician Trainee programme and its participants!

DaDa at NSDF 2022!

DaDa x NSDF company-members are a hit at NSDF 2022!

A statement from DaDa's Board

Wishing our outgoing joint Artistic Director & CEOs every success in future endeavours

DaDa x NSDF presents 'Reservation'

DaDa x NSDF company-members present a brand new theatre piece 

DaDa Holograms: conclusions from our research

Conclusions from our BSL 'holograms' R&D

DaDa Holograms: Phase 3

Phase 3 of our DaDa Holograms R&D, featuring Adam Fenton

DaDa Holograms: Industry Day

A sharing of our R&D findings, and how to attend

DaDa Holograms: Phase 2

Phase 2 of our DaDa Holograms R&D, this time featuring Rhiannon May 

DaDa Holograms: Phase 1

A collaboration with Chronic Insanity for Phase 1 of our DaDa Holograms R&D

Artist Call Out: Pen Pals Connected

Artist Call Out for British Council funded, International Collaborative Correspondence Project in 2022

DaDa-supported musical now touring!

Dora Colquhoun's DaDa-supported ADHD-themed musical is now on tour

DaDa partners with BBC Writersroom!

Apply now for our opportunity in partnership with BBC Writersroom!

Without Walls Programme Announcement

Announcing the programme for Without Walls 2022!

DaDa announces R&D project looking into augmented reality BSL holograms

Press Realease

STROLLERS Performer Call Out

DaDa and Black Gold Arts are creating a new piece of street theatre to tour outdoor festivals in 2022 and beyond - want to get involved?

International Day of Disabled People: Perspectives from DaDa x NSDF members

Work by members of our DaDa x NSDF company for International Day of Disabled People

DaDaFest Scratch 21: Full programme annnounced

Today marks the beginning of DaDaFest Scratch 21, and what's more, we can now reveal the festival's full lineup!

Live from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic - the DaDa Ensemble!

Join us in person or online for the opening of DaDaFest Scratch 21!

DaDa joins Without Walls

Find out about our exciting new working partnership.

Don't miss a DaDa-supported hip-hop sharing!

Watch the culmination of BlackFest's Hip Hop Dance For All workshops, supported by DaDa.

Youth Music funding for DaDa Ensemble member

DaDa Ensemble member, Josh Henderson, receives a Youth Music grant

DaDa Fellows 2021

Introducing the first cohort of DaDa Fellows

Unity Theatre Programme: DaDaFest Scratch and more!

DaDaFest-supported artists and events in Unity Theatre's 2021 season 

Mind the Gap Assistant Director Call Out

A new opportunity from Mind the Gap to work with Nickie Miles-Wildin

Call Out: vogue house seeks performers

House of Suarez are looking for Deaf and disabled artists to get involved in vogue culture and events

'Tuning In' with Adam Fenton

Takeaways from Adam Fenton's play performed over Zoom, directed by Nickie Miles-Wildin

Call Out: DaDaFest x NSDF

An opportunity for young Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists to come together and create work for NSDF festival. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Today, 24 May 2021, we would like to share DaDaFest’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement. 

Tune in to a new rehearsed reading!

A DaDaFest-supported Adam Fenton sharing with GRAEAE and Theatre by the Lake

Fests in the North West!

Fab festivals to check out in Liverpool and Manchester

DaDaFest Florescence Fellows

Meet the DaDaFest Florescence Fellows!

Aidan Moesby's Digital Café

From a DaDaFest Library Commission to a Digital Café!

DaDaFest Ensemble musician call out

Are you a musician with a passion for creating new music?

Nickie Miles-Wildin and Grace Ng announced as new joint head of Liverpool’s DaDaFest

We're very excited to announce our new joint Artistic Director & CEO

Hip Hop Dance project with Blackfest!

DaDaFest is supporting a series of workshops from Blackfest, making hip hop dance accessible to d/Deaf or disabled participants

Translations: Your Feedback

Please fill in our questionnaire about your experience of Translations.

Coming Soon...

Here are some exciting events to look forward to in 2021 from DaDaFest.

Artist Blog: The Making of First Do No Harm

Find out about Helen Seymour's piece featured in our festival programme!

Panels, Q&As and more additions to our Festival programme!

Panels, podcasts and further additions to our DaDaFest International programme!

Call out for participants - "Scars: Memories of the Skin"

Share your story as part of Ngozi Ugochukwu's DaDaFest International exhibition. 

Call out for underrepresented BSL interpreters

A call out for registered interpreters who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or as BIPOC

Press Release: DaDaFest International 2020 - Translations

Media / Press information.

CEO / Artistic Director Job

We are looking for someone to lead DaDaFest into our next phase.

DaDaFest International Programme Announcement!

Find out what's in store from our 2020 festival line-up!

Join the cast of Laurence Clark's 'Cured'

Apply to join the cast of 'Cured', a play in development with Liverpool's Royal Court

Deaf Rave Festival 2020

Countdown to Deaf Rave Festival 2020 this weekend!

Meet the Artists in Translations 2020

We're pleased to announce some of the artists who'll be taking part in DaDaFest International 2020: Translations.

A call out for d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent composers

This call out is from Psappha, the Manchester based music ensemble.

Celebrating 50 years of Alf’s Act with Manchester Histories

Remembering the world's first legislation around disability.

Inclusion at DaDaFest: New plans and policies

An update on diversity within DaDaFest

Introducing our Digital Producer

Introducing the latest addition to the DaDaFest team!

Our Artist Call Out is now closed!

After an exciting month of receiving submissions from around the world, applications for our DaDaFest Commissions have now closed across all three strands. 

Venice International Performance Art Week: Pierce Starre's Reflections

Reflections on Venice International Performance Art Week from live artist, Pierce Starre

We Shall Not Be Removed Alliance

We've joined a new disability arts alliance. Find out more about the campaign!

Artist Call Out: Libraries Commission

A brand new call out for work by disabled artists themed around libraries.

A statement from DaDaFest

Addressing the need for change and a more intersectional approach.

Artist Call Out for New Commissions

Updates on our festival and a new call out for work by disabled artists!

Broken Biscuits at LightNight at home

Celebrate #LightNightAtHome with a DaDaFest commission.

Top Tammy Reynolds moments!

Celebrate good news from a DaDaFest-supported artist by revisiting our events.

Support for Frontline Workers

Result CIC are offering support sessions to frontline workers. Get in touch!

Funding opportunities for artists

An overview of Arts Council Emergy Funding and more paid opportunities

DaDaFest Scratch: Our Advisors' Review

Our advisory group give us their thoughts on DaDaFest Scratch at Unity Theatre. 

COVID-19: an update from DaDaFest

Following government guidance and in order to protect our artists, participants and staff, the DaDaFest office will be closed until further notice, with all team-members now working remotely. 

'Footsteps Quiet in Shadow' - Ben Lunn tells us more!

With DaDaFest-supported concert, ‘Footsteps Quiet in Shadow’ coming up, 4 March at The Bluecoat, we asked composer, Ben Lunn, to tell as a bit more about the line-up. 

Marshmallows and #SquadGoals

Find out what we learned from our Rushton/Raw day of events.

Call Out: DaDaFest Advisors

We are looking for D/deaf or disabled individuals with a passion for the arts to join our group of advisors and help shape the future of DaDaFest. Could this be you?

DaDaFest and Unity Theatre announce exciting new partnership

DaDaFest is delighted to announce a brand new partnership with innovative, radical and pioneering Liverpool arts venue, Unity Theatre.

DaDaFest Artist Self-Development Programme

We are excited to be launching a programme of workshops and one-to-one coaching sessions for artists who identify as disabled or D/deaf*.

Dr Erin Pritchard chairs panel discussion at Disabled Women in Arts and Culture: Who’s Calling the Shots?

We are delighted to have Dr Erin Pritchard act as chair of the panel discussion of our landmark event.

Artistic Director Ruth Gould leaves DaDaFest

After almost 20 years of service, Ruth Gould is leaving DaDaFest to move on to pastures new. 

Introducing…DaDaFest Ensemble!

Our very first DaDaFest Scratch is fast approaching and in the lead up, we would like to introduce you to some of the talented artists who will be performing at the event.

DaDaFest Scratch

DaDaFest is launching a new programme of events over the next three years to celebrate the best of disability art in the North West. 

Pupils invited to music premiere!

Free live music experience direct to the classroom. 

DaDaFest Ensemble to perform new composition, live from Liverpool Philharmonic.

Get a taste of the creative industries

As part of DaDaFest’s Artist Development Programme, we are offering ten placements within the creative industries. 

Introducing our new Chair…Sally Gannon

We are delighted to introduce Sally Gannon as the new Chair on our Board of Trustees. Sally joins us from Liverpool John Moores University where she is Strategic Planning Officer.

We’ve opened registration to our Artist Development programme

We can help you achieve your goals.

DaDaFest International 2018 hailed a success

Thousands of visitors from across the UK and beyond experienced the five-week DaDaFest International which took place at host venues across the Liverpool City Region.

Artistic Director Ruth Gould appointed as one of five new Patrons to Graeae Theatre Company

We are delighted to announce that our Artistic Director, Ruth Gould, has been appointed as one of five new Patrons to Graeae Theatre Company.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2018

We are delighted to be parterning with Liverpool City Council to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day which aims to promote an understanding of disability issues.

DaDaFest International 2018 Emerging Artists: Destination Sound

Destination Sound is a platform for new music celebrating the talent and creativity of Disabled musicians.

DaDaFest International 2018 Emerging Artists: Jordan Connerty

There are some amazing emerging artists who are performing new work as part of DaDaFest International 2018. We are following a few of them as they make their way to the stage.

Acclaimed disability arts organisation DaDaFest work with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

Performers visited patients at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to stage a special dance performance organised by DaDaFest.

Francesca Martinez visits two North West venues as part of DaDaFest International 2018

The award-winning comedian brings her What The **** Is Normal show to Liverpool and St Helens

‘Perception of Time’ – the backstory to Katy McGunigle’s new play for DaDaFest International Scratch Night

‘Perception of Time’ is a short play based on true life events. 

A handy at-a-glance festival event list

We've put together a handy list of all the events that are taking place throughout DaDaFest International 2018.

A festival chat with our Artistic Director

We sat down with our Artistic Director, Ruth Gould, to have a chat about DaDaFest International 2018. 

DaDaFest announce their festival programme

DaDaFest International returns to Liverpool City Region venues this autumn showcasing a series of high-quality cutting-edge work.

Announcing...Sir Ken Robinson!

We are delighted to have on board a new patron.

DaDaFest International 2018 announced with performance by Jess Thom

Award-winning disability and D/deaf arts organisation DaDaFest announces Merseyside wide festival this November.

Performers and theatre makers call out

Unity Theatre, Action Transport Theatre and DaDaFest are working together to create a high quality seasonal show based on the story of Beauty and the Beast for family audiences in December 2018.

Sir Bert Massie CBE

Last night we heard the sad news that Sir Bert Massie has passed away.

Daphne Does Good at DaDaFest

Agony Aunt, Daphne will be the very, very special guest at DaDaFest’s Past, Present & Possibilities at the Bluecoat

Introduction from Ruth Gould

Greetings friends, comrades, supporters and visitors. 

Past, Present & Possibilities.

Celebrating 300 years of the Bluecoat

Canada Scene June 2017 by Julia Keenan

Creative UK Prosper Programme

A good week just got even better! 

Thank you Chris…

It was with great sadness that I learnt of Chris Hammond’s passing this week

DaDaFest in the Spotlight

Barry Avison featured on ITV’s Good Morning.

Congratulations Ruth

Awarded an Honorary Fellowship by  Liverpool John Moores University

Call Out For Bluecoat 300

DaDaFest Mini-Commissions

My trip to Yerevan, Armenia

I was lucky to be offered to opportunity to visit Yerevan in Armenia.

Young Disabled People Putting Together Our Arts Festival

"If art, all art, is concerned with truth, then a society in denial will not find much use for it."

Young DaDa Ensemble Project Video

Watch a fantastic new video from our pioneering Young DaDa Ensemble 

Palestine & The Joys of Flying

Currently, I am on the plane to Munich where I ought to catch a connecting flight direct to Manchester.

3 Days in Ramallah, Palestine

Two days in and I am in love

Under the Skin with Jenny Sealey MBE

Under the Skin is a series of interviews conducted during DaDaFest International 2016. 

Under the Skin with John McGrath

Under the Skin is a series of interviews conducted during DaDaFest International 2016.

My Time at DaDaFest

Rebecca Andrews our Digital Marketing Apprentice finished her apprenticeship this month.

Young DaDaFest 2017 Open Call

Showcasing the creativity of disabled and deaf young people from Merseyside.

Respect Project 2016 Open Workshops

Are you a young woman aged 16 or over? Would you like to have your voice heard?

Young DaDaFest 2017 Announcement

Young DaDaFest will return bigger and better than ever for 2017!

DaDaFest Receives Funding

DaDaFest is delighted to announce that we have received a grant from Big Lottery Fund for “DaDaFest Rookies”.

Young DaDaFest Perform

I was really excited to see Young DaDaFest

Young DaDaFest 2016: Music Review

Guest reviewer Tammy Reynolds sums up her thoughts on the first of this year’s Young DaDaFest events

Xander & The Peace Pirates

Xander & The Peace Pirates Perform for our Young DaDa Ensemble

Young DaDaFest 2016 Announcement

Award Nominated Young DaDaFest Expands into Trio of Events 

DaDaFest Hosts First Ever Rushton Social Justice Lecture

DaDaFest Hosts First Ever Rushton Social Justice Lecture

Young DaDaFest 2015 – Open Call

This year’s Young DaDaFest will be happening at the Everyman Theatre.

Watch Recipe for Scouse Online Now

Young DaDa Recipe for Scouse Film is available to watch online.