Access All Areas, winners of the Breaking Down Barriers Award at the National Learning Disability & Autism Awards 2024, are all about shaking up the world of arts through award-winning disruptive performances!
They’re empowering learning disabled and autistic creatives to take on roles across the industry—from performing on stage to leading decision-making behind the scenes.
Known for their bold and interactive performances, Access All Areas creates unforgettable moments in the most unexpected places—whether it’s on stage, in public spaces, or even online. But they’re not just making waves with their shows. Their Associate Artists team is dedicated to making the arts more inclusive for learning disabled and autistic talent. From community engagement to future artist training, and working with TV, film, and theatre companies, they’re breaking down barriers to make workplaces and creative spaces more accessible.
Their work goes beyond productions. Access All Areas leads the charge in reshaping our cultural landscape with a clear mission: to challenge exclusion at every level. And it’s not just lip service—their co-led approach, with learning disabled and autistic artists at the forefront, means lived experience is woven into every decision they make.
“Culture is for everyone,” says Paul Christian, one of their artists and leaders. “It’s about being part of something bigger and adding your originality to the world. We need to hear everyone’s voice. It’s not one person influencing another; it’s humans working together to create something beautiful.” Paul emphasises that for too long, disabled voices have been sidelined, and it’s time to bring their stories forward to shift perspectives and change society.
Access All Areas believes that without disabled co-leaders, the arts risk falling back into old habits of stereotyping. Their artists’ lived experiences aren’t just valuable—they’re vital for shaping a more inclusive future in governance, consultancy, and creative leadership.
The company’s roots are in community outreach, making culture accessible for those who might otherwise be excluded. They even offer career progression, like their two-year Performance Making Diploma. As Paul puts it, “Power doesn’t always have to be left to the ‘normal’ people in charge—it can be done differently!”
For Paul, this journey has been transformative. “I never thought I’d be in this position—a leader! As deputy chair of the board, I can influence decisions, whereas before, I felt stuck. This opportunity has allowed me to express myself in ways I never thought possible.”
Looking ahead, Paul dreams of a world where more disabled people find work, where tolerance replaces stigma, and where disabled creatives are represented on stage and screen as the funny, flawed, and funky people they are. Winning the Breaking Down Barriers award is, in Paul’s words, “an incredible honour. It feels like recognition of what we’ve achieved and proof that with enough drive, anything is possible. It’s a benchmark of the excellence we strive for.”
accessallareasproductions.org
