What we fund - filmpro

Programme area: Disability justice

Amount: £82,000

Length of grant: 2023-2024

Art can be a powerful tool for change. But many disability groups, campaigners and activists don’t know how to use this effectively in their work. Ableism in society often limits people’s work, and means that people are often dependent on access specialists, reducing their capacity.

The project

filmpro is a Disabled-led arts organisation. Using our funding, it has carried out filmpro with ten, the first of its kind project in the UK to explore the relationship between disability justice and art. The project aims to support tomorrow’s change-makers and equip them with the tools and skills they need.

This includes:

1. Research into how Disabled people in Lambeth can be better supported in with creative skills in their campaigning and activism. This research was published in March 2024 – find it here.
2. Identifying gaps in accessibility in the world of campaigning, using this research. This will be used to create a series of accessible training labs to support Disabled activists to learn new skills.
3. A 6-week training programme, supporting 10 Disabled campaigners based in Lambeth or South London. The programme will be led by Disabled artists and practitioners.
4. Mentorship, with monthly check-ins with the participants to ensure the training is effective in providing long-term support.

The team will also create a resource on inclusive campaigning, to help future activists.