DaDa Launches Global DDFI Extra Programme for Disability History Month
Award-winning disability arts organisation DaDa has unveiled DDFI Extra, an ambitious new international winter programme set to run throughout Disability History Month 2025 and into early 2026.
Marking the latest chapter in DaDa’s 40th anniversary celebrations, DDFI Extra expands on the legacy of DaDaFest International, the UK’s longest-running disability arts festival. The new programme brings together artist development, creative exploration and accessible participation, connecting artists and audiences across Liverpool, Nigeria and Tanzania.
Backed by the British Council’s Culture Connects Programme, and developed in partnership with Potters Gallery in Abuja, DDFI Extra features a vibrant mix of workshops, artist residencies, film, poetry and digital galleries. Designed especially – though not exclusively – for young disabled and non-disabled people aged 18 to 35, the programme focuses on themes of social justice, inclusion and global cultural exchange.
UK Residency Shines Spotlight on Disability Heritage
A key highlight of the programme is the Rushton Residency UK, which will support Deaf Liverpool author Natalie Denny as she explores disability history and culture. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of disabled poet and social justice campaigner Edward Rushton, Natalie will create new work during the residency.
Throughout Disability History Month, Natalie will also lead a series of free workshops for disabled writers at the Liverpool Everyman and online, offering emerging creatives the chance to develop their practice and connect with an international peer network.
In parallel, DaDa will support Tanzanian artist and disability rights advocate Lillian Munuo, whose mixed-media storytelling residency will bring the experiences of Tanzanians with disabilities into the global conversation.
International Collaboration at the Heart of DDFI Extra
Additional Rushton Residencies in Nigeria will see artists from across Sub-Saharan Africa develop work alongside UK-based creatives. Artforms will span dance, spoken word, documentary film, critical writing and visual arts.
The resulting work will be showcased via an online international gallery hosted on the DaDa website, ensuring global access throughout the programme.
Winter Programme Highlights
Alongside the residencies, audiences can expect a rich lineup of digital content:
- Andrew Bolton Street Art Lecture (Online)
Disabled artist and community muralist Andrew Bolton will present insights into community-led arts, visibility for disabled and refugee artists, and his collaborations with Jogja Disability Arts in Indonesia. - New Poetry by Jennifer Lee Tsai
Award-winning poet Jennifer Lee Tsai has been commissioned to create a new poem for DDFI Extra. The work will be captured on film and shared online.
Since its founding in 1984, DaDa has championed disability and Deaf arts, nurturing artists at every stage of their journey while presenting high-quality, boundary-pushing festivals and engagement programmes.
DDFI Extra is supported by British Council funding, Arts Council England through DaDa’s National Portfolio status, and Liverpool City Council’s Cultural Arts Investment Programme.
Rachel Rogers, DaDa Executive Producer, said: “DDFI Extra is about keeping creative momentum alive between our bi-annual festivals and strengthening our international collaborations. It’s an opportunity to spotlight new voices, connect communities and celebrate disability culture across borders. We’re extremely grateful to the British Council for supporting this programme.”
For full details on DDFI Extra and the programme of events, visit dadafest.co.uk.
