As part of our COVID-secure support for Disabled creatives during the pandemic we have created short residency opportunities to give artists a chance to engage with our online audiences.
Digital Residencies
These short digital takeovers offer an open space for a Disabled musician to explore, curate and share. The Digital Residencies are shaped to fit the selected artist. It is an opportunity to play, think, ask questions, be inspired, experiment and take risks.
The residency is self-directed by the creatives to support their development in the way which is most beneficial, accessible and interesting to them. There is no set agenda and they are free to use the time and digital space as they wish.
Artists will be supported during the residency by Drake Music, including creative, technical and access support, as needed. Drake Music will discuss creative ideas with the artists with the aim of supporting them to share their work and ideas, not to direct what they share.
Drake Music’s work is underpinned by the Social Model of Disability, including this residency. Our use of language is informed by that, but that may not be the case for our Digital Residents who will describe their identity and experience in their own way.
Who will take part
The Digital Residencies are offered to Disabled people active in music – musicians, producers, promoters, collectives, sound artists, curators and more.
Specifically we are aiming to create opportunities for Disabled creatives from marginalised and under-represented groups. Even within disability arts there is not enough diversity. There are not enough intersectional spaces, where Disabled people are free to be fully themselves and inhabit all sides of their identity.
Our aim is to create a supportive environment and hold the space in a way which makes that possible.
Digital Residencies is part of our COVID-safe programming for artists, ensuring that we are Here for Culture. It is supported by the Arts Council England Culture Recovery Fund.