Our mission: inclusion and accessibility

Through producing high quality theatre, singing, dance and film we aim to challenge prejudice and transform the lives of people with a learning disability.

Driving cultural change

Blue Apple is committed to the development of integrated and progressive opportunities within the arts for people with learning disabilities, to raise the ceiling of expectation and advocate for the development of a more inclusive, accessible and equal society.

Regular performing arts sessions provide a safe space for learning disabled performers to express themselves creatively.

By presenting performances to wide audiences our participants have a public platform where they can speak, sing, dance and interact and where they are heard and seen, receiving public recognition for their talents.

Developing a diverse workforce

At Blue Apple we strive to provide an environment where all participants can reach their potential, be that creatively, personally or in employment. We are working to develop a more diverse workforce.

We now support two performers in paid roles and plan to employ more. We are also exploring opportunities for performers to undertake external paid work, not only as performers, but also as trainers, workshop leaders and experts by experience.

Blue Apple is one of seven inclusive arts organisations in the UK working with Access All Areas in Transforming Leadership – a bespoke career development programme and coaching culture for potential learning-disabled leaders. The aim is to radically challenge ideas about who can lead across the Arts and demonstrate the significant potential for learning disabled leaders to drive accessibility in the sector. Read more about this here. Watch Anna and James share their experience of taking part in the Access All Areas Transforming Leadership Programme that aims to foster inclusive arts leadership.

Collaboration and community

Blue Apple believes that change comes through collaboration. We work closely with local partners who share our aims and also collaborate with similar UK and international organisations. In 2022 we hosted an international sector symposium to review and identify best practice.

See details of international collaborations here.