On 12 November, we had the pleasure of welcoming guests from Scotland, Belgium and Greece to Cologne. The study visit, organised as part of the EASPD Lighthouse Network, began at KAT18 – a vibrant studio and exhibition space for artists with disabilities. There, our guests were able to experience first-hand how artistic environments with and for disabled people can be created: accessible, open and inclusive.
The visit then continued to the Un-Label Studio, where our international guests gained insights into our work, our inclusive productions and our accessible rehearsal spaces. The day concluded with a concert by our jazz trio open excess at King Georg.
The visit provided space for valuable exchange, inspiration and cross-border networking with European colleagues. Together, we were able to gather new ideas and impulses to further advance inclusive culture.
The EASPD Lighthouse Network connects people and organisations with strong expertise in inclusive structures and social participation with those wishing to deepen their knowledge. Through peer learning, study visits and professional exchange, pioneering approaches to practice are shared and further developed.
With our event, we were able to foster exactly this type of exchange and demonstrate how inclusive arts and cultural work can take shape in practice: hands-on, accessible and in dialogue with people from across Europe.
