ACCESSIBILITY

EADF aims to be an inclusive festival and open to participants at all levels, ages and abilities. Gravity & Levity have a history of working with D/deaf and disabled artists and have developed an inclusive approach to teaching that enables each participant to chart their own journey through the training.

In week one of EADF 2024, there will be an amplified focus on attracting, welcoming and supporting more D/deaf and disabled practitioners to attend the festival with additional access funds available during this week to meet as many
access requirements as possible.

ACCESS VIDEO AND WAYFINDING GUIDE

We understand that attending any new event can be daunting so together with Digital Culture Network we have put together a short filmed guide explaining, where the EADF will take place, how to get here and to give you some insight as to what to expect when you arrive, as seen above.

ACCESS ACCOMMODATIONS

Please do let us know your access requirements in advance by contacting Lindsey on info@gravity-levity.net and we will do our best to work with you to find the support that you need to attend the festival.

TUTORS

The tutors have excellent communication skills and awareness and we would undertake an initial conversation in advance of the training in order to establish bespoke communication/participation ground rules.

Tutor Erin Ball (themselves a double below knee amputee) will be offering 2 classes p/day in week 1 in mixed aerial apparatus. Erin is an international circus artist, accessibility consultant, and workshop facilitator who strives to increase disability-led art and accessibility.

CLASS CONTENT

Some classes will be more suitable than others so if you are unsure of what to book and at which level then please contact Lindsey on info@gravity-levity.net

We will endeavour to support anyone wishing to experience or continue training in the aerial arts, (where it is safe and appropriate to do so).

SUPPORT WORKERS, INCL BSL INTERPRETERS

This year, we can provide 2 x BSL interpreters to support you in your chosen classes throughout week 1 as necessary with a minimum of 4 weeks advance notice.

We welcome you bringing your own support workers, in consultation with the class tutor, to assist any access needs during the course with the expectation of payment of such support to be met by the participant.

If you are a sign language user we can provide a sign language interpreter for the initial conversation undertaken via remote interpreting service. This service would also be available for any urgent communication thereafter leading up to the festival.

SUBSIDISED PLACES

We have 4 subsidised places available (offering the full 4 class per day pass at 50% off) for people that identify as underrepresented in the sector, this includes D/deaf and Disabled practitioners. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section of the website for information on how to apply for a subsidised place.

You may also wish to consider looking into applying for funding to support your participation if that feels appropriate e.g : https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/DYCP

Worthing Pavilion

Worthing Pavilion is one of the premier theatres on the south coast with a unique position on the promenade at the entrance to Worthing’s pier. Built in 1926, it has a unique and regal elegance, situated in the heart of the town with the sea as a back-drop, making it a picturesque venue for any event from musical performances and theatre shows.

And it is now also the home of The European Aerial Dance Festival since 2022!

Worthing Pavilion is an accessible building with all classes happening on the ground floor (no steps). Find out more about Worthing Pavilion’s access provisions (note: much of it is in reference to their live performance programme).