Culture is not separate from questions of equality and participation. Across Europe, disability rights frameworks increasingly recognise the importance of removing barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in society, including cultural life.

ArtElevate’s policy work is connected to this wider European framework. Its policy recommendations refer to European disability and equality policies, including the European Disability Strategy 2021–2030, the European Accessibility Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is particularly relevant because Article 30 addresses participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport. The principle is important for artists as well as audiences: people with disabilities should not only be able to consume culture but should also have opportunities to participate in cultural and artistic life.

The European framework therefore provides an important foundation. But policy documents alone do not automatically create inclusion.

The practical question is how these principles are translated into cultural institutions, funding systems, education programmes, open calls, festivals and artistic networks.

This is where policy recommendations such as those developed through ArtElevate become relevant. The project identifies areas where cultural systems can become more open to artists with intellectual disabilities, including professional opportunities, accessible communication, education and stronger connections between artists and cultural institutions.

The project also emphasises the importance of moving beyond approaches that treat artists primarily as beneficiaries of social or therapeutic programmes. Instead, artists with intellectual disabilities can be recognised as active cultural professionals and creators.

This does not mean ignoring the support needs that some artists may have. It means recognising that support and artistic professionalism are not mutually exclusive.

A person can require support and still be an artist.

A cultural institution can provide accessibility and still maintain professional artistic standards.

An inclusive cultural sector does not require lowering expectations. It requires removing barriers that prevent people from demonstrating what they can do.

European policy provides an important framework for thinking about these issues. The next step is turning principles into everyday cultural practice.