Global award for Cork project

An inclusive arts programme, delivered by Horizons in Cork, has received international recognition by The Zero Project.

Suisha Inclusive Arts is one of seven groups globally to be recognised at the inaugural Zero Project Arts Awards, which promote accessibility for and in the arts. Suisha is operated under the umbrella of Horizons, formerly the Cope Foundation.

Suisha’s Arts Access ID programme, which supports neurodiverse and intellectually disabled artists and audiences to fully participate in cultural life, was announced as a winner on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

An awards ceremony to celebrate each winner will take place at the UN offices in Vienna, in Austria, in February, where members of Horizons Suisha Inclusive Arts have been invited to speak and perform.

The programme was launched in 2014 to address issues of representation and access to the arts for intellectually disabled (ID) and/or neurodivergent artists.

It uses a multi-pronged approach, including accessible arts process, research, and capacity-building to enhance inclusion of artists with ID in cultural life.

Arts Access ID was co-designed and co-led with artists with disabilities, and has helped develop new educational pathways, artist residencies, and accessible performances.

Eoin Nash, director of Suisha, has “dedicated my life’s work to valuing intellectually disabled artists and their artistic ambitions”.

“This global Zero Project award builds on previous European awards for our innovative work in this space,” said Mr Nash.

“It positions Suisha Inclusive Arts/Horizons as global leaders in the field of inclusive arts.

“My hope is that the value of arts and culture will be better recognised, going forward.”

Lorraine Egan, Horizons CEO, said the organisation is “so proud of the Suisha arts team and Eoin for all their work on Arts Access ID”.

“This is a wonderful example of involving neurodivergent and/or intellectually disabled people in projects and building it around personal goals and ambitions,” said Ms Egan.

“It is a reflection of the work Horizons does to support people to access the arts across Cork city and county.

“Receiving global recognition for this programme highlights how effective Horizons is in supporting people to fulfil their dreams.”